This time last year, Kurri Kurri were preparing to make the jump back to Zone League Three - the sixth level of football in the region - after three seasons of all-age competition.
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This month they will take on two of the best clubs in northern NSW in what shapes as a classic David v Goliath struggle in the Heritage Cup.
Kurri are the newest team in the Cup, which brings together Hunter clubs with 100 or more years of unbroken history.
The debutants are the lowest-ranked of the 11 clubs this year and they have drawn the toughest pool. They play second-tier New Lambton on Friday night, defending cup and NPL champions Edgeworth the following Wednesday night then top-division side Weston two nights later - all at Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility.
Kurri captain Dale Lantry believed the experience would be invaluable for his young side.
"Our coach wants us to make a name for our club and get a bit of respect," Lantry said. "It's such a big competition and he likes to push us, so versing some of the teams like Edgeworth and Weston, it will be a bit of an insight for our boys.
"It's a good chance for the boys to go out there and keep it respectable, earn a bit of respect, because in the long run, we want to work our way up to the top zone leagues."
Another addition this year is the Heritage Plate, which will be contested by the two top-ranked community clubs after the pool matches.
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Kurri finished sixth last year in ZL3 and Lantry expected them to improve this season.
However, he said facing NPL opposition would be a test for his players.
"We've got a couple of boys who have played for [second-division] West Wallsend, which is getting up to that end, but no one really," he said of his squad's top-division experience.
"A lot of the blokes are from around here. We're just mates and we go out there and have fun.
"We've made a few good signings from around the area so I think we could do well.
"We have a lot of young blokes. I'm 22 and I'm one of the older blokes in the side, so I think that can work in our favour."
Kurri, who were formed in 1904, are up against Merewether Advance and Minmi Wanderers in the battle to reach the Heritage Plate final.
Lake Macquarie and Adamstown are the other NPL clubs playing. Northern League One clubs Cessnock City, Wallsend and West Wallsend are also in the competition.
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