The club has been laughing off rumours they had folded during the off-season, with returning coach Matt Inskip saying the Panthers were alive and well. 

"There has been a few rumours," Inskip says with a laugh. "But we're fine, we're actually going back to a partnership with Pambula like we did a few years ago."

The clubs have re-linked through the portability rules and are laying a platform to provide both clubs depth for the 2019 season. 

"With Jake [McDonald] going down there as first grade captain-coach we've got a good bond and we're hoping to make this a good marriage," Inskip said. 

Players from first grade will be able to fall back in to the reserves, while it opens up opportunities for the Panthers to step up into the top squad. 

But critically, Inskip said it would provide everyone match fitness with more opportunity to play. 

"With the length of the season, everyone needs to be playing [to keep fit]."

The Panthers are also reaping the benefits of fast young Bulldogs from the 18s who will add speed and agility to the traditionally big pack from the CBU club. 

"We have probably lacked a bit of that speed and youth - so it's going to be very handy to latch on some of these fast young kids - They're playing for that first grade spot, so they'll be working hard."

The Panthers will host the returning Snowy River Bears for round one at Colombo Park on Saturday afternoon. 

The Panthers league-tag women's side will hold an in-house 10-a-side exhibition as they face a round one bye from 2.30pm with the reserves to take the field from 4pm. 

Inskip had left the coaching role after leading the Panthers to a grand final result, but said he had got itchy feet and couldn't stay away. 

"[Then] I wanted to step back and focus on my young family, but I've had the itch and wanted to get back into it," he said. 

Inskip said the Panthers had lost a few players to other clubs, but thinks many clubs will be stretched a bit thin as the competition grows. 

There are nine first grade clubs this year with Eden making a return, while the Snowy River Bears grows the reserve grade draw to 10 clubs. 

"The talent has been spread right across," he said. 

The Merimbula-Pambula Bulldogs unfortunately weren't able to re-form their women's outfit with nine clubs to also contest the women's draw. 

The Panthers are looking for a strong season with incoming captain-coach Anneliese Hughes leading the team through a rigorous pre-season.