Wollongong's league-grand final double winners face only one team that made the 2009 play-offs in the opening month of the season.

The Stingrays will defend their historic double in an expanded 10-team competition, starting against Sydney University on Sunday, March 21.

After their JJ Kelly Park showdown with the Students, the Stingrays tackle newly promoted Western NSW, 2009 finalists NSW Koalas and also-rans Marconi.

Illawarra host last year's wooden spooners Sutherland in round six before matches against Manly and newcomers Inter Lions.

Their first grand final rematch with arch-rivals Macarthur will come at Lynwood Park on Sunday, May 16.

History will be made with the first top-flight South Coast derby seven days later - Nowra-based Southern Branch travel to JJ Kelly Park to tackle the competition heavyweights.

The return clash on Sunday, August 1, will be the last of the 18-round league campaign before the four-team finals series starts a week later.

The league champions will meet the runners-up for a spot in the decider - to be played on August 22 - while third meet fourth in a sudden-death match-up.

Stingrays players and officials are confident of repeating last year's heroics as they have re-signed the bulk of last year's team including W-League players Michelle Heyman, Caitlyn Cooper, Trudy Camilleri, Ash Connor and Michelle Carney.

All home games will be at Coniston. The Stingrays played at four venues in 2009.