Perennial powerhouse Port Douglas Crocs have sent an ominous warning to rival clubs after belting regular cellar dweller North Cairns in their season opener in Cairns.

The Crocs led 82-34 at three-quarter time and continued to pile on the pain in the final term to eventually win 22-14-146 to 5-11-46.

“I was pleased with the result, but more so it showed me areas we need to improve,” Crocs coach Brad Cooper told Newsport.

“In simple terms, we have a relatively new squad so I’m still working out what players can do what, how our new faces go about their footy and how we can get the best out of them.

“It’s about learning their nuisances and then being able to best utilise their talents and abilities on the ground.

Big task

While winning by 100 points is an emphatic margin, the Port Douglas mentor heaped generous praise on their round one opponent.

“Result aside, to me the Tigers looked really well drilled and well disciplined,” Cooper said.

“Full credit to them, they didn’t get the points, but they did a lot of things right.”

Shortly after the match Cooper’s attention turned to Friday’s round two home blockbuster against rivals South Cairns Cutters.

“They’ll be a very big task for us,” Cooper admitted.

“They’ve recruited well. I watched them for a bit against Cairns Saints and they looked very sharp.

“If we are to match them then our level of play will have to be much better than it was in our first match – and that’s absolutely no disrespect to North Cairns.

“It should be a great game.”