Easts Tigers were left to rue a poor first half as they fell 16-14 at the hands of the Redcliffe Dolphins on Saturday.
The Tigers completed at just 50 per cent and committed several costly handling errors in the opening 40 minutes, leaving them unable to claw back the eight-point deficit at the break.
A shining light though came in the form of Tino Faasuamaleaui.
The 18-year-old Storm development player came off the bench to play 38 consecutive minutes and proved a handful throughout for a Dolphins side full of NRL-calibre talent.
"Tino was outstanding, he is coming on very well," Easts coach Scott Sipple said.
"His carries were strong and Redcliffe couldn't handle him. He was one of our best with his carries and the energy he bought off the bench was good for the boys.
"He is big and he wants to compete. You can just tell he is fearless, he wants to go out there and run hard.
"This kid is not too far off NRL if he keeps working hard."
REDCLIFFE DOLPHINS 16 (Scott Schulte 2, Jonus Pearson tries; Bryce Donovan 2 goals) def EASTS TIGERS 14 (Albert Vete, Scott Drinkwater, Jarrod McInally tries; Brodie Croft goal) at Gilbert Oval, Goondiwindi.
