Diaz, back in the fold after spending the horror 2009 campaign in Canada, and his fellow Wolves face last year's top five in the next six rounds after last weekend's away loss to preseason fancies Bonnyrigg.

South Coast's first home game is on Saturday against 2009 league and grand final runners-up Marconi, but four of the following five matches are away from WIN Stadium.

Diaz believes last year's wooden spooners could catch their high-profile rivals napping.

"It's very important, the start of the season is the time where you can snatch something, it's a time that can create a season or make it very tough," Diaz said.

"These big teams, unlike us, have a lot of pressure on them to win a lot of games early on, they've got new coaches and players.

"If we can steal points from them and sit mid-table or towards the top it's a very good start for us."

After hosting Marconi, South Coast visit grand final winners Sutherland, premiers Sydney United and fellow play-off team Bankstown.

They then host also-rans Blacktown before travelling to perennial title contenders Manly.

Diaz is the lone holdover from the Wolves side that won the 2008 grand final before being reborn twice in as many years.

"Different personnel, different coaching staff, different backroom people - there are people I haven't met before," he said.

"I've a more mature role, a leadership role, I've won a championship and a little bit of experience and it's helping my game. Last year it was sad to read about when I'd been at the club for 10 years."

After intending to return to Australia 'for a holiday', Diaz was coaxed back to Wollongong by new coach Trevor Morgan.

"I came back just to do some training with the club, the opportunity came up and I had some discussions with Trevor and I like what he's doing," Diaz said.