Fullback/centre Keda Moylan, son of match winning former Port Macquarie and Camden Haven player Buddy Moylan and halfback James Smith have both agreed to terms.

Moylan played some first grade with Camden Haven as a teenager. He has since played extensively throughout Queensland and the Northern Territory, including a stint in the Queensland Cup.

“He has a few mates playing with us now and he wanted to move closer to home, so he’s having a run with us,’’ Old Bar co-coach Jake Wheeler said.

James Smith, a halfback from Armidale, will also be a Pirate this year. Smith had attracted interest from Queensland Cup club the Ipswich Jets, but has opted to move to Old Bar.

Wheeler said halfback was looming as a trouble spot for the Pirates following the loss of former captain-coach Danny Russell, who will lead Wingham this year.

“He’s a perfect signing for us,’’ Wheeler said.

Wheeler admitted the club’s backline stocks were stretched at times last year and the addition of Smith and Moylan will help alleviate that problem.

The Pirates have been active in the off-season, having earlier picked up Junior Kiwi centre Percy King, former Country representative forward Carlos Kuhu-Martin and second rower Shannon Ellem from Wingham. Kuhu-Martin last played in Group Three with Wauchope while he was at Tweed Heads last season. Ellem was Wingham’s most consistent forward in 2017 and was also a Group Three under 23 representative. The Pirates went close to signing King last year, however, he opted to stay in New Zealand.

Three of Old Bar’s best players from last year, forwards Zeb Samuel, Matt Fernance and Andy Petelo will be staying with the club. Samuel in particular had a strong year, making the Group Three and North Coast under 23 sides.

A former first grade captain, utility player Josh Pearsall, will also return to Old Bar this year.

At this stage is appears Russell will be the only regular first grader missing from last year, Wheeler said.

The Pirates will start their 2018 campaign on Tuesday with training at the Old Bar Reserve from 6pm. This will be for all grades and will be followed by a barbecue.

Old Bar will take part in the Coffs Harbour Nines on February 17 while the club will play the annual Pirate Challenge against Carrington Pirates at a date to be finalised. This will be in Newcastle.

“The pre-season competition starts in March and we get two games there, so that will do us,’’ Wheeler said.

He was co-captain-coach last year with Russell. This year he will have a new partner with Jason Morrissey returning to the coaching ranks in a non-playing capacity. Morrissey took the Pirates to the 2014 grand final.

Group Three Rugby League will start on Saturday March 10 with the opening round of the XX Trophies pre-season at Kemsey. First games in the southern pool of the pre-season will be at Wingham on Sunday March 11.

Southern finals will be at the Harry Elliott Oval at Tuncurry on Saturday March 17 with the northern games on Sunday March 18 at the Port Macquarie Regional Stadium.