Last year Manning lost the final 1-0 to arch rivals Far North Coast in the championships played at Taree. These two sides will be expected to again challenge for major honours.

However, Manning has suffered some late setbacks, with four players, including NSW over 55 representative Katrina Hayes, in doubt because of injury or the flu. The squad wasn’t due to be finalised until just before they left for Grafton.

Manning will be coached by Craig Greenaway, with Narelle Salmon the captain. They’ll be one of four sides from Manning heading north, along with the over 35s, 40s and 45s. Preliminary games will be played today and tomorrow, with the semi-finals and finals on Sunday.

Best performed Manning team from the championship will also win the Di Cubbin Cup, named in memory of a stalwart of Manning hockey and a driving force behind masters hockey here.