Hunter Rugby Union: Wanderers welcome the return of Francis Ieremia from Shute Shield club West Harbour

Ieremia, who has been down with West Harbour in Shute Shield the last two years, joins the likes of Marcus Christensen, Bill Coffey and Daniel Martine back at the Two Blues after time away.

"He [Ieremia] has improved so much since he left Wanderers," Beckett said.

"I'm looking forward to seeing how he goes for us now he's back."

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Beckett also has some fresh faces ahead of travelling to meet Nelson Bay at Bill Strong Oval in Saturday's opening round.

Brendon Follington and Jackson White are the props, Tom Nell debuts at halfback while Sam Ingham lines up at outside centre.

He described the break, with last year's competition cancelled because of coronavirus, as "surreal" with Wanderers' last game the 2019 decider.

Beckett also mentioned the loss of "one of the great club members" Tom Towers, who died recently.

"It's been a pretty emotional week for the club. He's done everything here. Most recently he was the ground announcer and always gave us a laugh. So we're pretty pumped to win it for him," Beckett said.

Elsewhere and University prop Scott Hamilton is set to play his 200^th club game when the Students tackle Southern Beaches at Ernie Calland Oval.

Maitland will mark two milestones with Anderson Medal winner Nick Davidson (200) and former NSW Country representative Chris Logan (100) clocking up 300 appearances between them for the Blacks, who host Singleton at Marcellin Park.

Merewether, who have Sam Rouse at fullback after a year playing rugby league, are away to Lake Macquarie at Walters Park.

Reigning premiers Hamilton have the bye.

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