Following their tough win against Kurri in the local derby two weeks ago, Cessnock would fancy their chances against Central who also have just the one win from three games.

Cessnock coach Todd Edwards recruited well over the off-season and there's little doubt the Goannas have a lot more to offer - they're a team still settling in.

But the Kurri game showed glimpses of what's to come, and after a week off for the Rebels representative match, Goannas fans will be keen to see how their team backs up.

The other Coalfields match should be a beauty with the Kurri Bulldogs - one win and two losses to date - at home against Luke Dorn's Maitland Pickers.

The Pickers, after winning their opening two games including Cessnock in the opening round, came back to earth when thrashed by competition favourites Wests last round.

The Bulldogs too went down, beaten by Cessnock.