Coach Nathan Wade was looking forward to the battle.

“Every time we go up there it’s a close battle, so I’m expecting more of the same,” he said.

Lucas Heagney, Jake Avery and Jarrod Kohler won’t be back this year, but coach Wade has a few players he can call on to fill those holes.

“Adam Woonton travelled a bit last year so he didn’t play, but he’s back this year,” he said.

“Jack Pilgrim in the centre of the midfield will make the step up from under-18s and Damien Cross played a lot of reserve grade last year so he’s ready for one final crack at first grade.”

Brendan Prince will provide pace and another option in front of goal on the other wing.

Wade said while United hadn’t played a pre-season game it wasn’t ideal, but there wasn’t much they could do about it.

“It is what it is,” he said.