Towradgi replace Dapto in the top grade after winning the Grade 2 championship last season and have a host of new players pressing for top-grade pennant spots.

Hardly daunted by being the new boys in Grade 1, Falconer believes his club will challenge for the top four.

"It [top four] is something we are capable of achieving," Falconer said.

"There's a great atmosphere around the club and buzz about being back in the top grade."

Towradgi have signed Jamie Johansen from Fairy Meadow, plus ex-Bulli and Engadine member John Curtis and four Woonona players - Damien Lateo, Norm Flanagan, Les Reese and John Holze - to bolster their depth.

"The top clubs always have good depth and we now have plenty of players challenging for a Grade 1 spot," Falconer said.

Just six years ago Towradgi won the state No 1 pennant flag and Falconer takes over the bowls co-ordinator role from Pete Bonsor, who has moved to Spain with his family.

Falconer is looking forward to facing his former club Warilla in the opening round of pennants on Saturday.

"Hopefully we can reproduce the effort in the Champions League, when we were able to knock off Warilla."

Warilla have lost the past two Grade 1 grand finals to Dapto Citizens, after winning the flag three straight years from 2008.

With the likes of Leif Selby, Jeremy Henry, Aaron Teys and Jesse Noronha they are the club to beat. But Wisemans Park are a serious challenger, with the departure of Matt Sargeant mitigated by the signing of Scott Bateup and Hemi Palmer.

In Saturday's other opening round matches in Grade 1, Corrimal are at home to Dapto Citizens, Shellharbour host Wiseman Park, Thirroul at home to Oak Flats and Albion Park host Figgy Bowlo.

This season 97 teams have nominated for the seven grades of pennants.