Hay Magpies will host Darlington Point Coleambally Roosters at Hay Park on Sunday, for round one of the Group 20 season.

The new-look Magpies first grade team will be led by rookie coach Christ Stewart who has been pleased with pre-season hit outs at the West Wyalong Knockout and in matches against South City Bulls (Wagga) and Griffith Waratahs.

It is expected that team lists will not be finalised until later this week, with ex-local Ben Arandt’s return to the black and white jersey hampered by injury. Hay will also be without Toby Whitehead as he serves out a period of suspension, however Kynan Headon has been performing well in the full back position.

The Roosters lost Josh Veivers and Isaac Railo at the recent Yanco 9s gala day, so are expected to be unavailable for the game.

Stewart is expecting big things from the return of Will Barnes to the Magpies squad, as well as senior players Simon Parr, Ben Taylor and Harley Hey and the impact of Hugh Crighton, who has been outstanding in the trials.

Jessie Carter will lead both the league tag and women’s league teams, but will be calling the shots from the bench, following ACL repair. New recruit Noa Maglioccetti will be one to watch, and junior Larissa Sorensen has shown she is eager and able to match it with older opposition players.

Tough as teak Zac O’Neill will lead the reserve grade side, and as coach he should be able to share the services of crowd favourite players Shaun Aylett and newly announced captain Zane Gash with their first-grade duties.

This year the club has announced JM Building Services, S&J Barnes Enterprises, Aylett Rural Services and Carter Fitness as major sponsors, with players putting their stamp on the season. This means the Magpies will host all their post-match awards at the rooms at number one oval, after each home game.

Junior matches kick off at 9am on Sunday, with league tag set to commence at noon.