Despite the withdrawal of Karl Norman and Peter Cook, Eames expects the inclusion of up to seven new faces in the line-up that defeated the Farrer league last year to be ultra competitive.

“It obviously won’t be our strongest side without Karl Norman and Peter Cook,” Eames said.

“But it should still be a more than competitive side.

“Jack Stamp is a definite and was captain last year and will be captain again.

“Lachie Cohen and Ben Clarke have also put their hands up again and will probably end up with six or seven new players from last year, which is good for the competition.

“It was good to have a win last year and hopefully we can go back-to-back.”

Eames admitted he had little knowledge about the opposition.

“All you can do is pick your best side possible from the blokes available,” he said.

“You then just play it quarter by quarter and work out what’s working and what’s not and go from there.

“I’m confident we have got the side to challenge the opposition and there is still plenty of quality in the side and we’re looking forward to it.”