They both play for the same club, both attend the same university, are doing the same course and are country boys at heart.

But the fact they are new to town is the one common theme they share with each other.

And it all started when Maunder - the 20-year-old number eight - walked into the gym as someone trying to find his way in a new town and walked out as a Port Macquarie Pirate.

"I was going to the gym one day doing my workout and (coach) Nigel (Harding) was there with a massive big smile on his face and said 'you look like a rugby player and have you played rugby before'," Maunder recalled.

"I told him I played at Moree first grade.

"He said 'great, do you want to come and play for me, I'm the first grade coach for the Pirates rugby club. I thought I'd approach you before anyone from the Vikings did'."

The conversation soon turned to when the next training session would be at Stuart Park and after a few text messages from his new teammates, Maunder was a newly signed Pirate.

"I thought it would be a bit rude if I went and played for the Vikings after he did that," he said.

Morse was one of a handful of players who got on the phone and fired a message Maunder's way.

As it turned out, the duo are currently doing a three-year degree in sport and exercise science together.

Maunder will run out for Pirates in second grade during Saturday's Mid North Coast Rugby Union season opener at Stuart Park when they clash with SCU Marlins.

He wasn't considered for run-on selection in first grade after he missed a pre-season trial match, although he is expected to take his place on the bench.

The Moree product is more than happy to bide his time awaiting a first grade call-up.

"First grade is a goal; originally I think that's what Nigel had planned, but I can't be stepping on people's toes by jumping straight into first grade after missing the trial," he said.

"I need to get fit; I'm pretty unfit for what I usually am playing football and then I'll let my football do the talking."

Hopefully he won't have to wait too long to celebrate a victory.

"I don't even know the team song," he said.

Harding was also a key player in Morse joining Pirates from Mudgee.

"One of my teachers through school is from Port Macquarie and got into contact with Nigel," Morse said.

"Then I came down to training when I got here, was welcomed really well and all the boys were good."

The softly-spoken halfback will also play in second grade this weekend, although he has tasted first grade action in a 20-all trial result against Wanderers last month.

"It was good to get to know different structures and combinations," he said.

"I'm hoping to get into first grade and play my best footy; I'll come to training and keep working hard."

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