Wallsend's playing stocks have been bolstered for the rest of 2019-20 with former City all-rounder Ryan Van Kemenade returning to Newcastle following a stint in Sydney.
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Van Kemenade, who turned 21 this year, is set to line up for the first time with his new club when Wallsend host Stockton and Northern Districts from Saturday.
The Tigers find themselves in a three-way share of fifth spot on the Newcastle and District Cricket Association first grade competition ladder approaching the Christmas break, five points shy of the top four and three ahead of eighth.
"He [Van Kemenade] is a big pick up for us," Wallsend captain Nathan Price said.
"He offers us good strike power with both the bat and the ball. It will give Pat [Magann] a little bit more support with the new rock and it gives out middle-to-lower order more depth because now there will be guys batting eight and nine who have score first grade hundreds."
Van Kemenade has been involved with UTS North Sydney since 2016-17, including 25 first grade games and nine NSW Premier T20 Cup appearances, but had struggled to fully commit this summer.
Price said the Tigers new recruit works at Shortland Waters Golf Club, which involves weekend shifts, and he has also links with Wallsend wicketkeeper-batsman Ryan Brooks.
"Gaz has put his hand up, which makes our bowling very strong," Price said.
"We'll just have to wait and see what happens there, but hopefully he's more available now for the rest of the season."
Wallsend are fresh from breaking a three-game losing streak, chasing down City's 208 at home courtesy of a well-made 91 to Matt Lynch.
"He [Lynch] is exactly what we need at the top of the order," Price said.
"He has that ability to take the sting out of the new ball and on the weekend he went on with it."
Price said posting back-to-back wins would be important for the Tigers' finals hopes.
"We spoke about that at the start of the season because there's a lot of cricket played before Christmas with all the one-day rounds," he said.
"Going into the break you want to be in the mix to give yourself a chance."
Elsewhere on day one of round eight fixtures, third-placed Charlestown are at home to joint leaders Wests in a top-four battle at Kahibah Oval.
Hamwicks welcome back Andrew Maher and Dave Stephenson for their first outings this season when meeting University at Passmore Oval.
Waratah-Mayfield are missing Jonty Durrheim as they prepare to host Belmont.
Callan Fowler has been named captain for City's clash with Merewether, who have Jono Dunn unavailable.
Cardiff-Boolaroo are away to Toronto at Ron Hill Oval.
Play starts at 11am.
