The Sea Eagles have already knocked over the Panthers and the other big test will be the Diggers, who May said were definitely an “up and about” team this year. 

“We’re looking forward to taking them on, we’re going as well as could be hoped with our new playing group and our strengthened position from last year,” May said. 

“With the addition of Bega it has really given Brad [McBain] something to work with, training has picked up over 100 per cent and we’re looking forward to the challenge this year.”

The match was scheduled to be held at the Bega Showground, but has been shifted back to Tathra’s Lawrence Park, a stronghold for the Sea Eagles. 

“The Diggers have come to Tathra plenty of times and know what it will take for them to get over us, but we’ll be sticking to our game plans,” May said. 

Key positions across the field have slotted together superbly well, but May said versatility was the key for the Sea Eagles this year. 

“The real bonus for us is now getting five or six weeks into the mix we’re all gelling well and the extra players from Bega have balanced us out extremely well,” he said. 

“As Brad said, we’re just getting better every week and the vie about the footy club is great.

“It will be a challenge this week, but over four quarters when you’ve got more than one type of player for a key role, you’re not running anyone into the ground so to speak.”

May commended a number of players, who’ve been excelling across the park including Josh Wilkinson, Nick Whittaker and Louis Coulton. 

A key factor on the weekend could be ruckwork as the Diggers line-up Jack Burch in the role. 

However, the Sea Eagles have welcomed back Jesse Meaker and new addition Richard Spink to share the workload. 

“We will go close to matching the ruck efforts of any team in the competition,” May said. 

“And having that pair frees up people like Will and Chris Dickinson to back to their key forward and backline roles.”

Senior play is at 2.30pm.

They won’t play on the weekend, but May also heaped praise on the rising women’s roster for the Sea Eagles. 

“Col Funston has put in a lot of work to get it up and running, but the women’s team has been a revelation for us,” he said. 

“They’re keen to learn, are getting fantastic numbers on the track and they will just keep improving with more game time.”

May said the line-up was very willing to learn and Funston had been working on core skills with the group including kicking, marking and ball handling.