Parkes will bring all four grades to Caltex Park for the trial with both sides using it to make sure they are ready for round one of Group 11, which starts on April 29.

Macquarie will start their season with a match against the Nyngan Tigers and co-coach Steve McLellan is using Sunday’s game to ensure his troops are ready.

“It gives us a chance to have a look at everyone before the start of the season. We get to see what is working and then we still have plenty of training sessions between that match and round one to get everything right,” he said.

The Raiders’ first trial against the Tigers last Saturday involved a combined first and reserve grade match, as well as under 18s and women’s league tag. 

McLellan was pleased with what he saw in that match, despite going down 32-10. He said they had started working on some of problems they had identified.

“We saw areas in that game that needed improvement. They’ve worked hard to correct a few things,” he said.

This week all four grades will play at Caltex Park and players have been told it is their chance to push for starting spots.

“[Against Nyngan] we showed loyalty to players who had been training since before Christmas but we have split the squads for this week’s game,” he said.

“Players have been told that doesn’t mean they can’t play a good game and move up, that’s a possibility.

“If we come away [on Sunday] with a squad that is playing for each other and puts in a good defensive display, then we will be happy with how we will start the season.”

Macquarie had several players move on after the 2016 season and their forward pack for the new season is smaller than it used to be, which has prompted a change in playing style.

“We’ve lost some size but changed the way we play and I think it gives us better speed and agility in the forwards. They can play to their strengths,” he said.

Parkes are coming off a 32-24 loss to Forbes last weekend but McLellan expects them to be force again in2017.

“We fully expect Parkes will be up there again in all grades. Their first grade team is always strong and their 18s are a very good side,” the co-coach said.

“They go into this year as the defending premiers in league tag so it should be good to see how we compare to them. We’re excited about how our side will go.”

Games at Caltex Park on Sunday start with women’s league tag at 11am, with first grade expected to start at approximately 2.30pm.