Former Narromine Jets utility back Quinton McEwen will make his debut for Group 11 premiers CYMS in the first round of the Country Challenge Cup on Saturday.
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Captain-coach Justin Yeo had little hesitation in giving the creative McEwen the No 6 guernsey held by Brett Patterson in the grand final against Forbes last year.
CYMS face a tough first-up match against leading Canberra side Gungahlin Bulls at Apex Oval on Saturday night with the winner scheduled to play Cobar the following week at Cobar.
Yeo admitted yesterday the club's solid build-up to the match had taken its toll with Simon Thornsenstein (hand), Mick Darcy (groin) and Nathan Rollinson (knee) all sidelined with injuries.
"It's been pretty tough on all the guys but with the competition not too far down the track it's not a good idea to start risking players with injuries," he said.
"We are fortunate to have Quinton (McEwen) signed with us and he will be a big boost to the backs.
"Our job now is to get plenty of work in with Quentin to get together a combination.
"As well we have a couple of juniors in Brad Soper and Hale Gordon being given their chances in the top side.
"Both had top seasons in the premiership winning under-18s last year and I expect them to be in line for regular places in the first team.
"Brad is still eligible for juniors but is a very heady footballer and will play alongside me in the centres.
"Hale can play anywhere in the backs but on Saturday will be at half following Marty Nelson's retirement after the grand final."
Another pre-season plan by CYMS will be to try Nathan Lawrence in the front row.
Lawrence mostly played in the backs last season but also had a few runs in the second row. He doesn't mind the hard work and has built up enough in the off season to warrant a change up front.
CYMS also have Gordon Sutherland back on the wing after missing most of last year.
The movement of hooker Luke Jenkins to Narromine has left the door open for Adam Burton to press his claims for the No 9 guernsey.
CYMS: 1 Mick Louie, 2 Gordon Sutherland, 3 Justin Yeo, 4 Brad Soper, 5 Daniel Troutman, 6 Quinton McEwen, 7 Hale Gordon, 8 Nik Wilson, 9 Adam Burton, 10 Nathan Lawrence, 11 Alton Oates, 12 Mick Darcy, 13 Tony Tilburg. Replacements: 14 Mick Dunn, 15 Troy Yates, 16 Brett Patterson.