SCOTT Coleman knows "there's no easy games" in Shute Shield, but the Hunter Wildfires have been presented with an extra challenge for Saturday's season opener against Sydney University.
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The Wildfires are expected to tackle two squad members from the NSW Waratahs, halfback Henry Robertson and prop Darcy Breen, when they travel to meet the Students.
"They [Sydney Uni] have always got Waratahs blokes, but they've picked up two extras from their squad this week," Coleman said.
"It's definitely a challenge, but there's no easy games in Shute Shield and we start off with two of the toughest in the comp."
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Hunter host Northern Suburbs at No.2 Sportsground on April 17.
Coleman said the Wildfires, who answered a late call-up to re-enter a coronavirus-impacted competition in 2020, were "a long way ahead of where we were last year" having more time to prepare.
However, he admitted there's "still a lot of work to do with combinations" as they arrive at round one.
New recruits Leon FukoFuka (hamstring), Nate De Thierry (thumb) and Sam Leibeziet (knee) have overcome recent injuries and will start at No.9, outside centre and lock respectively. Carl Manu is the captain.
In the women's Jack Scott Cup competition, the Wildfires also kick-off 2021 against Sydney University on the road this Saturday but will be minus Newcastle's sevens representatives.
WILDFIRES: 1 David Puchert 2 Chris Ale 3 Faavae Sila 4 Ngaruhe Jones 5 Sam Leibeziet 6 Steve Lamont 7 Tuietei Asi 8 Kirk Tufuga 9 Leon FukoFuka 10 Brendon Holiday 11 Abele Atunasia 12 Carl Manu 13 Nate De Thierry 14 William Lewesi 15 William Feeney
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