The "magnifying glass" of the Brisbane Global Rugby Tens revealed a Queensland Reds side that still has plenty of work to do, according to former captain James Slipper.
But the Wallabies prop believes they are at least on the right track despite two defeats on the opening day of the pre-season tournament.
There were good and bad elements in their first outings under new coach Brad Thorn - not counting last week's internal trial at Ballymore.
The Reds coughed up five tries and struggled to maintain possession in a 29-7 defeat to the Blues, then twice gave up the lead to fall 21-17 to the Melbourne Rebels, who snatched the win with a post-siren try from Mahe Vailanu.
Slipper, returning from an Achilles injury that saw him miss nearly all of the 2017 season, was rested from the latter fixture but said there was clear evidence of the team's renewed focus on defence in scramble situations.
"We've worked pretty hard on it," said Slipper, who has been replaced as skipper by Scott Higginbotham.
"Obviously having (Tony McGahan) come in and work on defence as well, we've identified that as a place where you can show attitude, intent and care for the place.
"Thorn wants players caring about the club and there's no better way to prove that in defence as a team with the Reds jersey on."
Queensland has a full 15-a-side trial match against the Fiji Warriors slated for next week and a beefed-up Slipper, who used his injury lay-off as a chance to pack on muscle, said it would be an important step in his return to full match fitness.
The 28-year-old played a handful of minutes in the NRC and said he was trouble-free so far this pre-season ahead of what looms as an important year for him as he looks to regain his Test spot.
"I haven't been in rehab which is great and touch wood I don't end up there. It's given me a bit of a running start," Slipper said.
