Wanderers coach Dan Beckett reckons "you couldn't ask for anything better" and Merewether mentor Jamie Lind feels "it's much bigger than the 15 blokes playing".
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The clubs renew their age-old rivalry at No.2 Sportsground on Monday, not only helping launch the Hunter Rugby Union season for 2022 but also marking Anzac Day on April 25.
Bragging rights and two competition points will be up for grabs as the Two Blues and Greens kick start premiership tilts after back-to-back campaigns interrupted by COVID, as well as silverware in the form of the Adams-Halter Shield.
"You couldn't ask for anything better really," Beckett said.
"It's a real privilege to play on Anzac Day and being against Merewether to open the season, the occasion isn't lost on us."
Although not the traditional Saturday afternoon timeslot, Lind says
"If you asked anyone if Monday was ideal, it's probably not, but it's one of those things that's bigger than the 15 blokes playing, the coaches and everything else," he said.
"It should be a pretty special event and I know everyone is looking forward to it."
Wanderers welcome back breakaway Liam Brice to the club following a stint playing in Holland.
Merewether have Bryce Kennedy, the son of former Knights champion Ben, making his first-grade debut at inside centre.
It will be the second time Two Blues and the Greens have played for the shield, introducing the Anzac concept last year.
Saturday sees Bryce McKinnon, Cam Fish, Murray Sutherland and Marcus Boyle all debut for Sam Berry's University against the Blacks at Maitland, Hamilton are at home to Adam Dubois-coached Southern Beaches at Passmore Oval while the Bulls welcome Nelson Bay to Singleton.
Lake Macquarie has the bye.
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