The Saints, fresh from Saturday’s 35.19 229 to 2.5 17 win over Moree Suns, host reigning premiers New England Nomads this weekend.

The Nomads have dominated the Saints in recent years and won the last three Tamworth premierships to boot.

They suffered a shock first round loss to Tamworth Kangaroos last Saturday so Zac Economou and his Nomads will be travelling to Inverell with nothing but intent on their mind to sink the Saints once again.

Waiting for them is new Saints coach Hayden Chappel.

He has taken over from Nic Baird, who has stepped back to captain.

“It’s a new side,”  Baird said.

“Hayden’s going well. He’s only young but keen and has some good ideas.

“It is a quite a different looking side this year.

“We went to Moree last weekend with six debutantes and another three or four who were returning to the club after a bit of a break.

“Another three or four didn’t play in last year’s grand final too so that made it an interesting day for us against a side who hadn’t played in the TAFL for 20 years.

“Moree tried hard but they had a fair bit of inexperience out there.”

Russell Brien (11) and Kieran Te Velde (8) dominated the goalkicking, nailing 19 goals between them.

Chappel made his coaching debut a good one by kicking three goals himself.

“It’s a bit of a challenge for Hayden this year,”  Baird said.

“It’s a bit of a rebuilding year for us with a lot of young kids but it’s also an exciting time for us as well.”

While the Saints host the Nomads in a grand final replay, Gunnedah Bulldogs, winners over Tamworth Swans last Saturday, host Narrabri Eagles at Wolseley Park, Gunnedah while the Tamworth derby between the Swans and Roos goes off at No 1 Oval.

The Roos have a nervous wait this week to check the fitness of one of their best, Luke Robinson.

The talented Roos stalwart injured a knee early in Saturday’s big win over the Nomads in Armidale.

“He injured his knee after just five minutes,” Roos coach Tony Bishop said.

“We won’t know how bad until mid-week.

“Drew Murden also popped his shoulder (dislocation) before half time so we were two down before the break. 

“Then we had another ankle injury in the third quarter, so that left just one replacement standing.”