Rugby union
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THE Leeton Phantoms will have an early opportunity to test themselves this season when they take on the Kevin Kevinsons invitational team in a 10-a-side trial at Murrumbidgee College Oval tomorrow.
The Kevin Kevinsons invitational side started playing in sevens knockouts in 2000 with the nucleus of the team from Port Macquarie.
Former Phantom Mark "Benny" Hill is organising the trip to Leeton alongside club stalwart Carl King with around six other former Phantoms, as well as players from Newcastle, Bourke, the Gold Coast, Albury, Bendigo and possibly even a player from Hong Kong, expected to be part of the invitational team.
Phantoms coach Greg Horton is treating the trial game as an extra chance to break up pre-season training.
"As far as this weekend is concerned it really is just a bit of a bonus for us, as it will allow any player that is available to have a run, which is a lot better than just running around a paddock," he said.
"It will give those playing a bit of an advantage fitness wise."
The Phantoms have been back into pre-season training for the last four weeks and Horton has been happy with the numbers consistently training.
"So far pre season training has been really good," he said.
"We have had really good numbers at training, including girls for the seven-a-side team."
Horton said he doesn't know a lot about the team but is expecting a tough match up.
"I don't know much about who we will be playing against, but our understanding is not to treat them lightly," he said.
"It won't be about who wins or loses at this time of the year, it's more about having the opportunity to work on our game and work on different combinations."
Horton estimated that around two-thirds of the team from last year have already returned plus the addition of Englishmen Luke and Ollie Cooke and a number of school teachers that are new to town.
He is hoping the influx of outside backs to the fold will complement the team that already has a strong forwards base.
"We have always had really strong forwards and this year it looks like most of the players we have picked up are backs, so hopefully that will work out really well for us," Horton said.
The match kicks off at Murrumbidgee College Oval tomorrow at 12.30pm.