The Cobras travel to Stroud on Saturday for a trial, their first game since winning the 2015 D-grade premiership.

Coach Peter Maytom is taking a squad of 20 to take on the Raiders including leading players Phil Badior and James Foot who return to the club after last season with the Dungog Warriors, when they played in the D-grade grand final. 

Maytom said the Cobras were not the same side as the 2015 premiership team, but he was confident they would have a good year.

“We’re going to be a blend of old and new, but we have been able to get key players like Phil Badior and James Foot back and I think we’ve recruited pretty well to cover the losses we had,” he said.

“The community is really excited about having their Cobras back.

“It’s not quite the same rivalry with Stroud as we have with Dungog and Gloucester but I reckon we’ll have a big crowd travel for the game.

“My main concern is getting them on the field at the moment. We will be missing four or five, but we’ll take a squad of about 20 to Stroud.”

The Raiders host Dungog in the annual Charity Shield on Saturday, March 25.

Meanwhile, the Warriors have their official season launch at the Dungog Showground on Friday, March 17.

Tickets for the evening are $25 per head and $40 a double and include food and entertainment. 

Cheap drinks will be available.

People interested in attending should confirm their bookings on the Warrior’s Facebook page or telephone 0403 297 099 to confirm their ticket by March 15.