St Albert's College are preparing for a tough trip to Tamworth to begin the 2020 New England Rugby Union season on Saturday.
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The students were one of the last clubs to return to the training paddock in the shortened pre-season but co-coaches Scott Waterson and Charles Franklin have been pushing their side as much as possible.
"Although we're no doubt underdone, we have been training well and have what I'm sure will be a competitive side," Waterson said.
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"All teams will be in the same boat so we are keen to measure ourselves against one of the favourites on Saturday."
Franklin echoed Waterson's thoughts.
"One of the nice things about Albies rugby is the enthusiasm of the playing group," he said.
"Our men and women have embraced the inclusion of Walcha and the Harbour Knights, and look forward to what I suspect will be a resurgent Glen Innes club.
"What's nice for New England is that augurs well for 2021."
The consensus across the competition is there is no room for any slip ups.
"This will be a sprint to the finish line," Waterson said.
"We have seven matches, each of which will be high intensity. There'll be no weeks off, no soft games.
"Every side appears to be stronger, using the break to recruit, to train, and to hit the ground running.
"It's ironic that last years New England grand finalists may be the sides starting behind the others, with limited numbers and even more limited training time.
"There's no doubt we're all excited."