RUGBY LEAGUE

It’s the clash we’ve all been waiting for.

The Forbes Magpies are back - and they’re bringing the thunder to Spooner Oval this Sunday, 27 April, as they launch their Peter McDonald Premiership campaign with a high-stakes home derby against the Parkes Spacemen.

It feels like anticipation has been building for months for this one, the club making headlines across the region as players got stuck into training early.

"It's been a good tough preseason," says long-serving first grade coach Cameron Greenhalgh, "The boys are fit and raring to go."

Greenhalgh has the enviable headache of a stacked roster - thanks to an off-season brimming with re-signings, sensational returns, and headline-grabbing new faces.

Among the first to recommit were Nick and Connor Greenhalgh, joined by the returning firepower of Mitchell Andrews and Hayden Bolam from Bathurst St Pat’s. Making the move with them is new-signing Nick Booth, while Parkes talents Jake and Chad Porter made the leap across the line.

Then there’s Harry Leadbitter, back from Canberra, and returning Jack Hartwig, Jack Smith, and Mick Coady all ready to shake things up.

While questions linger over Coopa Martin and rep gun Mitchell Andrews (managing a knee issue), the coach isn't putting any pressure on them given the depth already available.

After a well-earned Easter break, the club hit the paddock with renewed focus under lights on Tuesday night to put the finishing touches on preparations for Sunday and the season.

"The way we've been going and training I'm excited to see the boys go to a whole new level," Greenhalgh said.

A full day of footy kicks off with our Western Challenge-winning league tag side, followed by the Under 18s, reserve grade and firsts scheduled for about 2pm.

Expect quality from the start.

"If you want to find where you usually sit at Spooner Oval, you probably want to get over there a bit earlier than you normally do I think," Greenhalgh said.

"Hopefully it's going to be packed to the hilt."