So, with both team sheets in, let's have a look at how the teams line up. Home Team (Canes) 1. Kim Glensor 2. CJ Smith 3. Jake Wilkinson 4. James Torres 5. Jason Denton 6. Simon Humble 7. League Lover 8. Brett Gemmell 9. Luke Pilgrim 10. Ed Ames 11. Damien Taylor 12. Ged King 13. Gareth Weaver 14. Alistair Son 15. Kelvin Fung Designated Place Kicker: Ed Ames Substitutes 16. Reece Fittaman 17. Adam Smith 18. JJ Jones 19. Brian Quilty 20. Sam Green 21. Simon Nova 22. Karwin Rogers No big surprises here. Big debate around which of the two utility backs (Son or Fung) would get the first opportunity to fail play at Full Back, and eventually Fung won out. The only selection surprise is rookie, League Lover being given his debut at #7 ahead of Reece Fittaman. Much of the Canes hopes this season will hinge around Ed Ames and how he controls the backline. Expect to see plenty of tries from Gareth Weaver and Damien Taylor if he can get some form behind him. If you're looking to back a roughie, I'd look out for Karwin Rogers if he makes an appearance off the bench. Away Team (Vikings) 1.A.J. O'Neill 2.T. DeLonge 3.W.D. Robinson 4.M.C. Burridge 5.J. Dempsey 6.M. Braid 7.B.J.T Manera 8.T. Miokovic 9.M. Perry 10.A.Hunt 11.H. Marshall 12.A. Vago 13.S. Cambridge 14.A. James 15.B.C. Jacobs Designated Place Kicker:H. Marshall Substitutes 16.P.W. Adams 17.J. Chewie 18.P. Sparkle 19.D. Boland 20.C. Man 21.C.B. Darts 22.H.J. Bots Big surprises afoot here. After seeing him fail with the boot in the pre-season, the Vikings have rearranged their back line to accommodate Henry Marshall. This is quite a risky call to make with the better pedigree of Princess Sparkle being consigned to the bench. However, the Vikings are banking on the reliable boot of Marshall gaining them more points than the extra try-scoring power of Sparkle. Certainly, this could pay off if match day dawns wet or damp, but is a very dangerous move to play an untried man in an unfamiliar position. Lookout for rookie Mike Braid in his debut match having only just signed for the 'Kings. We haven't seen much of the youngster yet, but the expectations are fairly high.
Few big players for the canes to rip through, Weaver and Ames. Expect James to get demolished down his right from Damo Johna Taylor, should have lineouts covered if Smith can throw straight.
First try scorer option now available. All backs represented and the two best forwards up there as well.