Maitland Blacks are back in action at last: milestone match for club stalwarts

When the Blacks take on Singleton at Marcellin, new skipper Chris Logan will chalk up his 100^th game with the club and veteran breakaway Nick Davidson his 200^th game.

The occasion will also mark the return of local rugby after more than a year in hibernation.

"It's also our Old Boys Day so we're hoping for a big crowd to give them the reception they deserve," new coach Luke Cunningham said.

"They've been two of the club's great servants and very fine players.

"Nick is a local junior who has played probably 150 first grade games. He's a player the others look up to and epitomises what this club is about.

"He's a big occasion player and there aren't too many occasions bigger than your own 200^th game.

"Loges is a great leader and when he's on song he's one of the most dangerous players with ball in hand in the whole competition."

The Blacks will field no less than 11 local juniors in their first grade side - a testament to the club's development system and the strength of its junior base.

To say they don't know a lot about this Singleton lineup is an understatement. Coach Cunningham says their opposition will be a mystery.

"I understand the side has a very strong Fijian base this season from players who have taken up employment with the local abattoir," he said.

"So no, I haven't seen them and don't know anything about them.

"If they're typical Fijian players they'll be very dangerous runners, very physical, and play an expansive style without a lot of structure, but who knows?"

On the positive side, Cunningham has been delighted with the Blacks preparation and has felt a definite increase in the players' intensity at recent training sessions.

"I've been really impressed with our build-up, he guys have all worked hard," he said.

"Now we want to get a win to give us a nice kick-start our season."