On Saturday the two will come face to face on Johnson Field and re-ignite an old tradition when they face off in a soccer match.

Challenge CEO Barry Murphy has a foot in both camps as Challenge FC manager and Tamworth FC secretary, although there is no confusion as to where his loyalties lie on the pitch.

“It is great to get some of these Challenge guys in the spotlight playing with the pros,” Murphy said.

“Years ago, Challenge used to play a league side before every season but it just fell away.

“It is a great idea and a great pre-season stunt for both Challenge and Tamworth FC.”

Murphy has a big job ahead of him selecting a side after plenty of hands went up for jerseys when the game was announced.

The manager also has a few tricks up his sleeve and the capacity to pull a few out of the bag on the day.

“I am still writing the rules but I believe  we might have more players on the field than them for most of the game.

“We also have Tim Coates refereeing so some 50-50 decisions might go our way.”

Challenge also has a few ring-ins ready to go, with some of the staff playing former Newcastle league players.

“They will add a bit to our side,” Murphy said.

“They’ll give us some direction.

“But it should all be some good fun.”

Last Wednesday members of both sides met at the field for a kick around  and, like boxers at a weigh-in, to check out what skills the other side had.

The Challenge team will be named some time during the week.

The game will be the feature of the Tamworth FC sign-on day for the 2015 Northern Inland Football Premier League season.

After missing out on a third straight title last season when North Armidale bounced them out inthe semi-finals, they will be keen to get back on top.