Western Suburbs won't have 2019 Newcastle Rugby League player of the year Luke Walsh steering the ship this campaign but Ryan Walker will be one of four members from last season's grand final squad returning for the Rosellas.
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The former NRL and English Super League playmaker, now 33, has opted to have time off while Walker, Ben Stone, Sam Keenan and Matt Herman are all back for the amateur competition, which replaces the main premiership cancelled last month due to the coronavirus crisis.
"It's a shame we won't have Luke there, but I completely understand. Hopefully he's back next year, but we'll just have to wait and see," Wests coach Todd Lowrie said.
"There was never any doubt with Ryan, he was in from the start. All the guys that are there want to be there. They've all had the right attitude and can't wait to play footy."
Lowrie also said they have picked up former Queensland Cup player Tristan Lumley (group 11 club Wellington) the Rouse brothers, Sam and Tom (Merewether rugby union), Frazer Price (Maitland) returns to the club while Liam Wilkinson and Pat Achurch join from the Knights' lower grades.
Newcastle RL officials confirmed on Wednesday that Jade Porter had been granted a permit to play for the Rosellas in 2020 before rejoining Kurri next season.
A late ground switch will now see Wests host Lakes at Harker Oval in Saturday's season opener.
"They [Lakes] look to be the best side so it will be a good test for us," Lowrie said.
Cessnock, including Gunnedah prop Lincoln Smith, are at home to Maitland on Saturday. Souths, who have re-signed coach Andrew Ryan until the end of next year, meet Central at St John Oval on Sunday.
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