The Cutters overcame the Tigers in last season’s final and captain/coach Brendan Minns said his side were keen to open this year’s season against a tough Killarney outfit.

“Everything is looking pretty good and it looks like I’ll just about have a full squad,” Minns said.

The Tigers will be missing the services of injured pair Jim Loneragan and Ben Battistuzzi, but otherwise, will have the clubs full playing roster at their disposal.

Loneragan isn’t expected back until approximately round six of the season while Battistuzzi will be laid up for a further 3-4 weeks.

“Everyone is pretty keen – it’s been a pretty drawn out process to get to here. The boys are excited to say the least,” Minns said.

While the game is being spruiked as a grand final replay, both sides are scarcely similar to the two that took to the paddock in 2014.

Much like the Tigers, Killarney has undergone sweeping changes in their playing roster.

Minns had a chance to see the Cutters up close when they played the Round Robin Carnival in Tenterfield a few weeks back and says he expects a close tussle.

“There’s not going to be big differences – we’ll see how we compare. We know that they are going to be hard to beat.

“To start on a positive note would be good.”

Minns said it will be key to slow and control the ruck.

“That will let our plays happen and tries will come – we have a lot of natural point scorers in the side.”

The ladies league tag side will also start their campaign this weekend and will be hoping to retain their 2014 title.

Games get underway from 1.30pm at Rugby League Park.