Coach: Matt Thomas

Last year: 3rd (12 wins, 4 losses, 566 points for, 340 against)

Arrivals: Ben Whaler (Nelson Bay)

Departures: Mick Howell (injury), Carl Manu, Devante Manu, Josh McCormack (University), Marcus Christensen, Max Stafford, Willie Soe (Wanderers), James Johnston, John Birrell (year off), Dan Runchel (retired), Pat Robards, Chris Martin, Dale Clacherty (Beresfield RL), Sam Parkinson, Lachy Bradford (Sydney)

First month: Southern Beaches (a), Singleton (h), Merewether (a), University (h)

There has been a big turnover of players, does it feel like you are starting from scratch?

I wouldn't say we are starting from scratch. We have taken a few steps back in terms of personnel, but I still think we are moving forward with what we are doing. I actually think the vibe is better than it was last year. The players have all bought in, they all want to be there and they are playing for each other. We are struggling for numbers but the attitude has been great. It will test the club. The past has gone and this is a chance for the future to come through. It is a shame players have left, they have valid reasons, but unfortunately they have gone in the one year.

There is still the core of a good side, when you consider Travis Brooke, Harry Chapman and Chris Logan have played for NSW Country and Nick Davidson is an Anderson medal winner. Are you expecting them to lift?

I need the senior players to bring the younger ones through. Davo is the fittest and strongest I have seen him. His roster has changed and he is able to train this season. Loges is extremely fit and will most likely slot in a fullback. Harry has been cleared by the hand surgeon to return and is keen. Travis needed to give his body a rest which he has done. This could be his last season and he is up for a big one.

Of the departures, will Carl Manu be the hardest to replace. He won two Anderson Medals and ran the backline?

We need someone to put their hand up and say I own this side. Pat Batey is getting there. He is starting to do a lot more talking in training. He is a class ten and has shone in the pre-season. Where we are slimmest, is in the outside backs. Jordy Bower got a taste of the rep stuff in the pre-season but has a bit of shoulder issue. We have a good young side coming through. It will be a season where we have our really good moments and there will be moments against the top teams where we will struggle.

You have been close to ending the premiership drought in the past couple of years, are Hamilton still the team to beat?

Hamilton have lost a couple of players but Bubba Coleman always finds replacements. They are the strongest team. In big games they know how to get it done. Them and Wanderers. I'm not sure how Uni will go. They are starting to build a good side.

The Blacks' premiership window may have closed. Their last premiership was back in 1999 - too long for a club of their size and strength. They still boast a rough and tumble forward pack that will make any trip to Marcellin Park unpleasant. Travis Brooke was a deserved winner of the Anderson Medal last year. He will ensure they win ball at the lineout and constantly bends the defensive line. Nick Davidson is old school. He competes hard at every contest but will miss not having bruise brother John Birrell by his side. Harrison Chapman anchors a strong scrum. In the backs, it will be a big test for the halves combination of Ben Taylor and Pat Batey. Having Chris Logan at fullback will provide direction and a game-breaker. The Blacks boast the biggest nursery in the competition and they are going to need one of the young guns to jump out of the box.

READ MORE: HAWKS WINGS CLIPPED BUT STILL TEAM TO BEAT