After a slow start to the season, the merged entity is hoping the new year will provide a fresh start as they chase a place in the competition’s top four. 

Captain Manning Berry is expecting a tough outing on Saturday, but he’s confident the Twenty20 format suits his team.

“It will be a challenging match,” Berry said. “They were in the one-day final and only just lost that, they’re a good white ball team so it will be a tough match.

“We’ve got a young team which helps and we’re good in the field, which is important.

“In Twenty20 you can get carried away slogging, it’s important we don’t lose too many wickets early, try to build a total. We have the bowlers to defend a total.”

Saturday’s other matches will see The Rail face Kookas and Lake Illawarra host Shellharbour.