WINGHAM coach Stu Baker has confirmed that former NRL forward and club junior Matt Bartlett will return to the Tigers for this season's Group Three Rugby League competition.
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However, Bartlett won't be available for Sunday's XX Trophies pre-season encounter against Taree City at Old Bar.
Bartlett lives in Newcastle and Baker said he would turn out with the Tigers when work commitments allow.
"He just wants to give something back to his junior club,'' Baker said.
Baker expects to have most of the club roster on deck for Sunday's game. This will include the club's New Zealand imports while front rower Ben Welsh is a sure starter.
Welsh, a former first grade captain-coach, is on the comeback trail this year and according to Baker he's been training strongly.
Tim Bridge, a member of last season's under 18 side that made the grand final will start in the centres. His elder brother, Matt, will be the five-eighth.
Baker said the majority of under 18s from last year were still in the junior grade but he added a number would get a taste of first grade this season from the bench.
