The Steamers have recruited classy halfback Kerry Robb and big second rower Nathan Harry, both from Christ- church.

They have also added giant (128kg, 185cm) tight-head prop Adam Nixon, from Brisbane with coach Don Cameron hopeful his new-look team can push up the ladder after finishing sixth last year.

“We’ve recruited very well and will have, what is, basically a new-look team,” Cameron said.

“Last year, I think we had one of the best attacking backlines in the competition. We have lost a few of those backs but we have replaced some of them too and our forward pack is looking stronger.

“Our expectations are for a top-four finish.

“But with a lot of new players a lot will depend on whether they all start jelling straight away.”

Last year Nixon played for Brothers in the Brisbane competition and is expected to slot straight into the starting line-up for the Steamers first match today, against last year’s runner-up Waratahs at Wagga’s Conolly Park.

Robb, who played first grade for Lincoln University last year, will also be fit to play while Harry, who arrives on the Border today, will most likely need a week in the reserves before being available for senior selection.

“We’re expecting really big things out of him (Robb),” Cameron said.

“Harry’s a big lad and we’re hoping he’ll really strengthen our engine room which is good because we definitely lacked height and bulk in the second row last year.”

The Steamers have enjoyed a relatively successful preseason — receiving a touch-up against the powerful Melbourne University but bouncing back to go undefeated at the preseason tournament at Kapooka last month with two wins (Cootamundra and Tumut) and two draws (Griffith and Leeton) to take out the plate final.

And with good numbers at training, Cameron is also upbeat about his local talent.

Of that talent pool, the most notable is youngster Alastair O’Riain — a member of the ARU’s development squad and still only in year 12 — who is expected to take on the role of hooker this season.

The team also welcomes back Tom Rowan from a knee injury which kept him out last season.

Much of the Steamers’ fortunes, however, will rest on the form of three key men — ball-carrying Jim Lollback, who will move from fullback to five-eighth, number eight Nathan Bright and penetrating centre Luke Bertram.

Cameron said he expected the Waratahs, who have lost only two matches in the past two seasons, and reigning premier Ag College, which boasts huge depth, will be the teams to beat again, with Griffith and Leeton the two most likely to improve.

“Those two are the teams that surprised us in the knockout tournament,” Cameron said.

“They look like being much more competitive.”

Cameron said the Steamers would again look to play an assertive style in 2010.

“We’ll be looking to play attacking rugby, starting this week,” he said.