Bega Roosters are expected to field three strong senior teams while hosts Tathra Sea Eagles will be represented by sides in first grade and U/18s.

After a busy off-season, Bega will be keen to show off their new signings who bring both class and experience.

Former locals Jade and Aaron Lucas were the first to sign on for the club while Gundagai Tigers pair Kieran Pierce and Shoun Piper have recently been announced as new members.

New captain-coach Simon Scott is keen to build a strong list around this quartet but the remainder of the squad can’t be overlooked too easily.

Hooker Michael Edmunds was a fine addition last year along with Paul Berk in the centres.

Teenager Matt Barnden will look to build on his impressive debut season in first grade while rising stars Jarrod Tamatea, Brent Snowden and Scott Fuller are pushing for regular selection.

Young veterans Kaine Morgan, Dayne Burton, Josh Cochrane and Brendan Kidd will look to make big metres for their side up front.

Bega’s first grade team is scheduled to take on reigning premiers Narooma, the reserves will meet Moruya while the U/18s are up against Merimbula/Pambula.

Club president Dave Armstrong said the teams were “pumped up” for the carnival.

“Everyone is excited for the day and raring to go,” he said.

“We’ve had great numbers at training, although we’re struggling a bit in the under 18s.

“Our pre-season training has been great and the boys are loving Simon Scott’s leadership because he is enthusiastic and they never do the same things over and over again.

“The players have been working hard on their fitness and are all in good shape.

“A lot of the boys are putting in the effort so it’s going to be hard to be a standout.

“Everyone is just enthusiastic to see how the boys will go.”

Tathra has been hard at work over the summer months but have been quiet on the trading front.

The Sea Eagles are looking to give more opportunities to their youth with several teenagers showing impressive form during their trial win over Tumbarumba Green.

Ned Cryer, Ben Crowley, Tim Price, Luke Sly and Ned Grainger were all standouts as the locals won 24-10.

Tathra’s key players also looked in good touch.

Improving forward Wayne Searl finished as best on ground while half-back Josh Finucane and hooker Tom Cryer were inventive in attack and strong in defence.

Tathra are scheduled to play Eden Tigers in both grades on Sunday.

Club president Peter Finu-cane said the Eagles were keen to get out on the field again.

“The boys are going well and they are really looking forward to it,” he said.

“It’s a boost for us to host the day and it’s a good way to start the season.

“We stuck our hands up to host because we thought we would enjoy it and the carnival should be a big day out for everyone.

“It’s been a long but good pre-season for us but the boys are just itching to play.”

Finucane said the club’s youth would be given their chance to impress.

“We have much the same team as last year but we will mainly be fielding young players this week,” he said.

“Once again our focus is on youth this year.

“We’ll have a few under 18s blokes playing up including Reece Cunningham and Dean Finucane who are keen to have a run.

“I think we will see a good standard of play on Sunday and I expect a fast brand of footy.

“We’re looking for Wayne Searl and Tim Price to really stand up again up forward while the backline is our strength because they are all very quick and like to throw the ball around a bit.”

Meanwhile, the Cobargo Eels Rugby League Club is back in the Group 16 competition after years in the wilderness.

The Eels will field two teams for the carnival, one in reserve grade and the U/18s.

Former Canberra Raiders star David Boyle has been appointed as coach of the reserves and brings a wealth of experience to the squad while Brett Jessop has signed on to lead the U/18s.

Cobargo are expected to focus on youth during 2010 as they rebuild the club for the future.

Carnival draw:

U/18s (20-min halves):

9am: Tathra v Eden, 9.45am: Merimbula/Pambula v Bega, 10.30am: Cooma v Cobargo.

Reserves (20-min halves):

11.15am: Merimbula-Pam-bula v Eden, Noon: Bega v Moruya, 12.45pm: Cooma v Cobargo.

First grade (27-min halves):

1.30pm: Cooma v Moruya, 2.30pm: Narooma v Bega, 3.30pm: Tathra v Eden.