To see today's training session...

Overcast skies and a very soggy pitch could not dampen the enthusiasm of the players, including several local Gold Coast Premier League players on trial.

The team's big Europe-based stars, Jason Culina, Bas Van den Brink and Joel Porter, are still finishing their seasons abroad, while the Brazilian trio - Milson, Robson and Jefferson - are also yet to arrive.

But the sight of players like Shane Smeltz, Michael Thwaite, Tahj Minniecon and Jess Vanstrattan taking the field together was enough to delight a crowd of onlookers, including club owner Clive Palmer and his family.

The players looked sharp for their first training session together.

There was lots of intensity and even a few slide tackles showing sheer commitment. Coach Miron Bleiberg handed out pushups to anyone he wasn't happy with, but overall it was a nice easy run in front of an intrigued media pack and a bunch of delighted schoolkids.

After the practice session, Shane Smeltz gave the thumbs up to the club's multi-million-dollar training facilities at The Southport School, which include nine sports fields, seven tennis courts, two heated pools, three undercover basketball courts, a state-of-the-art gymnasium, and a strength and conditioning centre.

Bleiberg announced that Michael Thwaite will be the captain until Jason Culina arrives, at which stage Thwaite will become Vice Captain.

To see today's training session...