Cessnock Goannas to unveil new recruits in trial against Western Rams in Mudgee

It will be the first run for a number of recruits in Goannas' colours and a reward with first grade time for younger players who have pushed for selection with impressive preseason to date.

Cessnock coach Harry Siejka said he would be taking virtually a full squad to Mudgee with only star recruit Honeti Tuah and Newcastle Rebels representative backrower Wyatt Shaw missing from the line-up.

Tuah and Shaw are both still training with the Newcastle Knights NSW Cup squad.

"We've recruited a few over the summer and are still looking at tying up a few more," Siejka said of his recruiting efforts which have netted several quality backs as they Goannas try to replace last season's starting halves pair AJ Davis and Scott Briggs.

While Siejka will play halfback, he will get a better idea of who will partner him in No.6 over the coming trials.

"We've picked up a kid called Aaron Fiveash from New Zealand, who is a fullback, five-eighth," Siejka said.

"Sam Clune, who is (Knights signing) Adam Clune's brother, has come up with Adam and will be playing for us.

"Kendyll Fahey from South Sydney Under-20s is another.

"He is training really well so I'm really looking forward to seeing how he goes."

The Goannas are still negotiating with the other key prospect for a playmaker role former Samoan international and NRL player Pita Godinet, 34, who has most recently been playing in the US with the Atlanta Rhinos.

"I'm pretty sure we will sign Pita Godinet. He has played NRL and will bring a lot of experience and knowledge to the team," Siejka said.

Former Cessnock centre Josh Charles returns to the Goannas from Macquarie Scorpions and will be joined by Scorpion teammate forward Jack Jordan.

Two other promising recruits are AJ Murray and Sione Ngahe who have come to Cessnock from New Zealand where they were part of the Warriors system.

"The squad is looking pretty good, apart from those signing we've kept the bulk of last year's team," Siejka said.

"I'll take the bulk of the squad to the trial game against the Western Rams at Mudgee. We still have Wyatt Shaw and Honeti Tuah at the Knights, but apart from those two pretty much everyone else will play."

Siejka said he would reward a number of younger players with time during Saturday's trial.

"I've had a heap of young fellas come through and put their hand up that have been training really well," he said. "I think the trial game they will get a bit of a reward with some time."

The trial will also start to sort out Siejka's thoughts in relation the halves.

"The halves was a bit of a worry coming in. We lost AJ early and Briggsy as well so aside from myself we really didn't have anyone else there,"

"I wanted to get some in and I think with Sam Clune, Kendyll Fahey, Aaron and Pita we've got a good mix of guys to push for the halves.

"I think Cessnock has always been known for their tough forwards and grinding big men which coming into the big games against Maitland and the like you need, but you also need the balance in the squad and I'm really happy with that now.

"It's only training at the moment, we will have to see when the season kicks off to see how it pans out.

"I wanted to give the club a good squad and every chance to win a premiership and that's the main reason I'm here.,

"I think the people we have recruited are all like minded. They want to win a trophy."

Elimination final August 13; Semi-final, August 20; Preliminary final, August 27; Grand final, Sunday, September 4.