THIS season the Queanbeyan Whites will field a mix of crucial experience with energised young blood to combat the John I Dent Cup's best forwards in Tim Cree, Joel Penders, Alan Alaalatoa and Jay Cash.
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Their pack will again be lead by workhorse skipper Dan Penca, who will be joined by Les Makin, Tim MacNamara and Tom Darmody as the leading forwards.
They willl all be joined by the less experienced Toby Wilson, Tai Valeni, Michael Stolberg and Andy Goselett in what is hoped will create the depth needed to make the grand final this season.
Makin, who plays prop, will enter his third season in first grade at the Whites, and said the new guys will bring an improved influence into set pieces.
"We've got a really good new kid in Stolberg, and he'll give a boost to our set piece and lineout," he said.
Incoming inside-centre Keith Morgan is also set to make his debut for the Whites in Saturday's showdown with the Royals, with the Braidwood product already receiving raps from coach Adam Fahey.
Morgan came through the Whites' connection with St Edmunds College in Canberra, where a professional rugby program is established, and Makin coached Morgan when he was at the college himself.
"I've seen him grow from under 14's to first grade now. He's got a lot of talent and he'll go a long way into adding depth to our side this year," said Makin.