After struggling last season in the new competition, the under 16s started 2019 with a bang to take a 16-4 win over GSR Tigers at Camden.

Feata Tauaneai crashed over to hand Riverina a 6-10 lead at half-time before tries to Ben Rumble and Isaac Piva sealed the win.

The under 18s, who were beaten finalists last, then backed that up with a strong performance.

Dominating from the outset, the Laurie Daley Cup side proved far too good to take a 30-6 victory.

Coach Tim Humphries was impressed with how they started the competition.

“I was really proud of their achievement given the heat and the conditions they had to play under,” Humphries said.

“They really stood up with the foundation they set their with completions.

“In the first 15 sets there was only one knock on so 14 from 15 is a pretty good effort for them.”

Rhys Weldon led from the front with the prop getting through plenty of minutes and metres to set the platform for the Bulls to attack.

Riverina will host Western in round two of the competitions on Saturday.

They will be play at Ron Crowe Oval in the lead up to the West Wyalong Knockout.

Humphries expects a bigger challenge from the traditionally strong region.

“It’s a tough task ahead of us as Western have always been the benchmark in 16s and 18s,” he said.

“It will be a test for us but they are up for the challenge.”