EDGEWORTH'S new strike force of ex-Weston target man Jason Cowburn and former Jet Joel Wood will debut for the Eagles in a trial match against Manly tomorrow at Jack McLaughlan Oval.
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Co-coach Gary Wilson has focused his off-season recruitment on attacking players after Edgeworth struggled to break down eventual champions Hamilton Olympic in last year's Northern NSW State League semi-finals.
Wilson's star striker, former Socceroo Sean Babic, was unavailable in the semi-finals through suspension and has since signed with first-division club Lambton Jaffas.
Wilson has been busy finding new strike power to replace Babic and the retired Sean Matthews and Andy Myles. He has come up trumps with Cowburn and Wood.
"He [Babic] will be missed because he's quality, but I'm a massive fan of Cowburn," Wilson said.
"I've wanted to sign him for the last couple of years.
"Joel Wood has had 12 months with the Jets and he's looked really sharp already, so we're hoping those two and Ryan Clarke will form a combination."
Cowburn and Wood are coups for the Eagles, but potentially the most important signing is former Socceroo midfielder Troy Halpin.
Wilson believes Halpin will be rejuvenated this season after two unsuccessful years as Toronto-Awaba player-coach.
"He came to us and said he just wanted to play," Wilson said.
"We've got a role for him and he'll know his role in the team. I think he'll shine because all he has to worry about is coming and playing.
"He doesn't have to coach players. I take my hat off to him. To coach and play would be very difficult and I think Halpo will be an excellent coach in a few years when he stops playing.
"He has a great football brain. I'll ask for his help with the coaching as well."
The under-23 Eagles face Manly at 2pm, followed by first grade at 4pm.
