The Thornton Redbacks will unveil their star recruits Jamie Subat and Ben Henry in their opening Northern NSW Football first division clash against South Cardiff at Ulinga Oval on Sunday.
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The Redbacks had the bye last week and face three games in seven days, with a FFA Cup third-round appointment with West Wallsend on Wednesday night.
Redbacks coach Darryl McAllister said former Weston Bear striker Subat and the versatile Henry, who joined the club from the Maitland Magpies, had been terrific on the track and on the field in trial games and FFA Cup fixtures to date.
He said his team had a testing start to the season, with a number of key players injured, suspended or unavailable, and Subat and Henry’s experience and class would be vital.
Missing from the Redbacks’ best line-up will be Josh Bequista who is serving a two-game suspension, Liam Penglase who is returning from a knee injury and Jason Walton who is away.
“We’ll be on the road for the first few weeks as our home ground won’t be available until April because of cricket,” McAllister said.
“We’ll need to tough it out and give younger players some opportunities.
“The positive is that we can get some first grade experience into those players and build on our depth for the rest of the season.”