Eastwood V Randwick 

Eastwood will attempt to defend their Premiership without front rowers Guy Miller and Jed Gillespie, who’ve left for the Force and Rebels respectively.

Despite the notable departures, coach John Manenti opted against heavy recruitment, instead putting faith in the clubs lower grades to fill the void.

“We’ve backed those guys to come through, so we really haven’t gone out and chased players. We’re sort of hoping our own blokes can do the job for us”.

Manenti admitted he wasn’t sure what to expect from Randwick, who many suggest could be the surprise package of 2015.

The Galloping Greens will look to play enterprising rugby according to new coach Shannon Fraser, but they’ll have to do so without flyer Andrew Kellaway this weekend, who is away on NSW U20 duties.

Watch out for Latu Latunipulu in the centres, younger brother of Souths pair Apo and Sam.

“He’s as good as any 18-year-old centre I’ve seen,” Fraser told Rugby News.

Parramatta V Manly

Manly fans will be hoping new head coach Damian Cummins can turn the fortunes of the Marlins in 2015 as they attempt to break their 17 year premiership drought.

The Marlins dominated the competition throughout much of 2014 and whilst they’ll be without a number of big names from last years campaign, Cummins seems confident his side will be just as strong this season.

Parramatta will present the first challenge for last year’s Minor Premiers with the young Two Blues looking to improve on a strong 2014.

Second year coach Gerrard Fasavalu has identified the scrum as their key area to improve. They’ll also be looking to start the season better, after losing three of their first four in 2014, including a 36 point beating from Manly.

A bit more consistency, starting against the Marlins, could see Parramatta return to finals football.

Penrith V Sydney University

If Penrith are going to improve in their 50th season it’s going to need to happen quickly, facing perennial powerhouse Sydney University in the opening round.

Despite running 12th last season, Penrith showed an ability to score points, finishing the year with the eighth best attacking record.

For Sydney University, an agonising semi final loss to Southern Districts will ensure motivation isn’t an issue in 2015.

Whilst the Students will be without Brumbies recruit James Dargaville, the centre pairing of Tom Carter and Jim Stewart will likely cause plenty of headaches for the Emus.

 Eastern Suburbs V Gordon — Live on 7TWO

Gordon will be aiming to start their 2015 season the same way they finished 2014 – on a roll. After a barrage of injuries early on, the Highlanders managed two wins, plus a draw with Southern Districts, in their last five matches.

They’ll take confidence into round one, having beaten Eastern Suburbs twice last season. As coach Geoff Townsend looks to build on a 10th place finish in his second year in charge.

Their opponents were also slow to start last season. Easts managed just one win from their first six, before winning back-to-back matches. The second of which was a 30 point drubbing of Premiers Eastwood.

That, combined with a one point win over Minor Premiers Manly later in the year, proved Easts can match it with the big clubs. But if they are to be a force in 2015, they must start the season in better shape.

Watch out for South African born Japanese centre and Waratahs recruit Kotaro Matsushima at 13 for the Beasties.

West Harbour V Northern Suburbs

If last season’s round nine clash between these two clubs is anything to go by, we’re in for a belter. West Harbour managed a one point victory at Concord Oval, the same venue where they meet on Saturday.

Joe Barakat has used the Pirates pre-season to change the players mindset in defence. A focus now on not just holding the line, but turning over the ball.

Barakat believes finals is well within reach in 2015 and after ranking fourth in attack last year, there is no doubt the ‘entertainers’ of the competition have the points to do it.

Norths coach Simon Cron will be eager for a strong start to the season in his first year as head coach at the club.

“I’d like to see the guys focus on executing the basics this weekend and continue to come together as a unit,” Cron told Rugby News.

He pointed to prop Lawrence Hunting as one to watch in 2015.

 Warringah V Southern Districts

This builds as an interesting round one match up. Last year Warringah started with five straight wins and Souths with three losses.

An impressive run from fifth position to the Grand Final however, will ensure Southern Districts don’t slide under the radar in 2015.

Coach Matt Barr has singled out the set-piece as an area to work on, especially after losing forwards Tim Metcher and Duncan Chubb in the off-season. However, the Rebels welcome back halfbacks Dewet Roos and Waldo Wessels, ensuring plenty of depth at the base of the scrum.

Former Manly and Sydney Uni coach Greg Marr has replaced Haig Sare at the Rats – but don’t expect a lot of difference, with Marr signalling he wont change too much after finishing fourth last year.