After a long pre-season, the Goannas will see if they can transfer their solid trial form into the season proper.

Maitland also has a successful pre-season winning both of their games so they will approach the games full of confidence.

Adding extra spice to the clash will be the appearance of former Goannas Terrence Seu Seu, Daniel Metcalf and Matt Ireland turning out for the Pickers.

At different stages during the trials the Goannas had several first graders missing from their squad but other than new recruit Kerrod Holland the team should be near full-strength.

In an encouraging sight for the Goannas, Newcastle and Country player of the year Riley Brown had a good hit-out in the final trial game, and if the forwards can achieve reasonable go-forward in the middle Riley and his brother Joel are sure to be constant threats to Maitland.

Coach Steve Kidd was more than satisfied with the performance of the players during the trials but he said in reality all opponents will now be a lot more focused and it will be up to Cessnock to meet that challenge.

Kidd said all the younger players that were given time in first grade during the trials needed to maintain that form to assure there was plenty of competition for spots in all grades.

Reserve grade coach Brett Stevens will also be pleased to see the availability of a lot more players; it has been difficult to get much team work happening with the lower grades combining during the trials but all will stand alone from here on in.

The lower grades will again be reserve grade and under-23s – a format that Goannas president David Woodbury says the club is against but is forced to follow.

The day will kick off with the under-18s at 11am. Officials are hoping for fine weather and a good roll-up of loyal supporters to cheer the Goannas on.

This Saturday is also registration renewal day for the Goannas Old Boys club. President Glenn Goodwin is encouraging all past players and officials to get involved, as the Old Boys assist all levels of rugby league from under-6s through to first grade.

The Old Boys club kicked off last year and has more than 100 members. New members can join on the day for $100 while existing members can renew for $50.