Two-time Bill Castle Medal winner Liam Krautz will make his return to home club Albury-Wodonga Steamers against his former CSU teammates in the season opener in Wagga on Saturday.

Krautz crossed to the Reddies in 2020 when the Steamers opted not to field a first grade side in the COVID-affected SIRU season and had signalled his intentions to remain at the club, but it ultimately proved too difficult with work.

He expects some extra attention from his old side.

"No doubt there will be a few try to line me up (laughs). There will be a bit of banter, but it's good fun when it's friendly banter and no-one takes it too seriously," Krautz said.

"It will be good to see the old faces and see how they're going. They're always a good bunch to play against.

"It was really great at CSU. They were a good, welcoming club to my partner and I and they're starting to build something really strong.

"I believe it's their 50th year this year and all the best to them."

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Krautz admitted it was very hard to walk away from the Reddies at the start of year, but he wasn't left with much choice.

"I started a new job here and it's just a logistical nightmare to try drive up there every Tuesday and Thursday night to train," he said.

Nonetheless, he has enjoyed his return to Murrayfield and is excited to play under new senior coach James Kora.

"He's (Kora) a very knowledgeable coach and he's got a lot of ideas," Krautz said.

"He's very forward-thinking, which is the best way to be, he's not stuck in the past.

"The game is constantly changing and you have to change with it or you'll get left behind. He's recognised that and he's leading fantastically.

"It's been good. They're growing and developing.

"I think we've got a very strong side with a couple of old heads in the pack and a couple of new faces.

"It will be good to see them back in the first grade competition and take it to the other teams."

Krautz has also joined the SIRU board in the off-season and hopes his experience on the field will prove handy in the role.

"It's something I thought I could give back having a bit of an insider's perspective being a player," he said.

"It's pretty rare they have a player involved with the SIRU board.

"I like to be involved in decision-making and will put in a bit of work where I can to try find the right path to change.

"Again it's a logistical nightmare to get the group together, but we've had a couple of meetings.

"We want to have the least amount of byes so everyone gets a game of rugby."

The Steamers' women and second grade sides also face the Reddies on Saturday.