Russell said the Pirates are 'a bit light on' for props.

"It looks like we'll have a mobile pack, but I'd be happier if I could get a prop,'' Russell said.

He's hoping former group representative front rower Rumone Jackson will start when the season-proper gets underway in April.

"I'll keep talking to him,'' he said.

Russell said some players from the grand final team of 2013 could be returning. However, he doesn't expect them to be playing in Sunday's pre-season game against Taree City at Tuncurry.

"A lot of blokes don't like playing in the pre-season because they don't want to get injured,'' he said.

He admits the Pirates will miss Kurt Lewis and Thomas Dooker, who have both gone to Port City.

"They were offered work up there, so you can't blame them for going,'' he added.

Old Bar's main off-season acquisition has been former NSW Cup player Dale Clacherty, who is expected to play in the centres.

WINGHAM's young guns get an early opportunity to impress selectors in the opening round of the XX Trophies Group Three Rugby League pre-season competition against Forster-Tuncurry on Sunday.

Back rower Blake Fraser, second rower/centre Shannon Ellem and utility player Mitch Collins will all get some game time in the clash.

All were under 18s last season who had a taste of first grade.

Matt Bartlett will captain-coach the Tigers this year, but is likely to watch Sunday's action from the coach's box. Another off-season gain, well travelled club junior Trent Green is another expected to miss the match.

However, Wingham will trial a new centre who is reported to come to the club will good credentials.

The majority of last season's roster will return, including the Bridge brothers, Matt and Tim, Ricki Tobi, Adam Kerr, Michael Richards and Luke Steel.

TAREE City coach Paul Northam has confirmed that five-eighth Todd Bridge will be right for the Bulls in this season's Group Three Rugby League competition.

Bridge returns to the club after missing last year. It was initially announced he would be the assistant coach to Northam, however, he is working in Newcastle and there was some speculation he mightn't be a starter.

Northam said Bridge now wouldn't be taking on the coaching role as he can't regularly attend training.

"Todd'll be playing this week,'' Northam said as the Bulls prepare to meet Old Bar in the opening round of the XX Trophies pre-season competition on Sunday at Tuncurry.

Bridge will partner Mick Henry in the halves.

Newcomers on Sunday include prop Will Clarke and centres Aaron Bayley and Paul Campbell. Prop Thomas Berry is back with the club he played under 18s with while Sam Murray returns after missing last season while he recovered from knee reconstruction surgery as does fullback Todd Northam, who was sidelined for much of the year after breaking his ankle.

Joel Campbell will start from the bench. Northam said the club also expects to sign front rower Kyle Curry, although it is not known if he will play on Sunday.

Coach Northam said the Bulls have a strong looking pack while he said there's more pace in the backline.

"Training numbers have been solid,'' he added.

"We're looking alright.''

FORSTER-Tuncurry could have a testing start to the XX Trophies pre-season competition on Sunday.

"It's our season launch on Saturday night,'' coach Troy Hilder said.

"So hopefully everyone will have recovered by Sunday.''

However, Hilder added the 5.15 kickoff time for the clash against Wingham should work in his side's favour.

Otherwise Hilder is optimistic about the season ahead.

A number of ex-players have flocked back to the Hawks. They include Brayden Wynter, Luke Barry, Matt Finlayson, Byram Stewart and Chris Coulton, All missed last season for varying reasons.

The Hawks have also been bolstered by the signing of prop Ben Kirkland, who played for Asquith last season.

His brother, Matt, a former Country representative, joined the Hawks last year.

"Ben's played a bit of NSW Cup. He's bigger than his brother so we're looking strong up front,'' Hilder said.

A centre, Ryan Drew, moves to the club from the Central Coast while another former player, utility back Daniel Benson returns.

Hilder is confident the Hawks will field two formidable senior grades, noting that a lack of depth, particulary last year, was a real problem for the club when the Hawks missed the semi-finals.

"We can't fit all the players in first grade, so we're going to have a good reserve grade,'' he said.

Hilder will watch the action from the sideline, at least on Sunday.

"I'll be the emergency reserve,'' he laughed.