Kempsey Saints' start to the Premier League season will be delayed as they will play their FFA Cup round four match this Saturday.
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The Saints were scheduled to open their season at home against the Taree Wildcats, but the match will be postponed as Kempsey will travel north to face Goonellabah.
A new date for the round one clash between Saints and Wildcats hasn't been finalised.
"It is our home game and unfortunately we don't have great access to lighting at local fields," Saints' first grade coach Kevin Sinclair said.
"Hopefully that will be sorted soon with the $10 million development to go ahead after Melinda Pavey retained her seat.
"It's likely we will have to schedule a double header for a weekend which suits both teams."
Saints advanced to the fourth round of the national competition after they claimed a 9-0 victory over Armidale Westside earlier this month.
Sinclair admits Saints won't be able to send their strongest team to face Goonellabah as a lot of their players have prior commitments.
"The season has been brought forward a week and it conflicts with local cricket grand finals which a fair few of our players are involved in," Sinclair said.
"A first grade player is also having their wedding and a few players will be in attendance for that.
"The side we are facing is a very strong team."
With a few key players unavailable, Sinclair is hopeful the fringe players will take the opportunity to state their claim for a first grade spot.
"We have a few players locked into the first grade side but there is definitely still spots up for grabs," Sinclair said.
"It's a good chance for those players who are fighting for a spot in the side, Saturday will be their last chance to put their hand up and say 'pick me', before the season starts for us the following week."
Sinclair claims the club has had a strong pre-season and the creation of the Men's A-grade competition has also created a new pathway.
"We have a large squad and they have all been training really well," Sinclair said.
"The new formation of the A-grade competition will allow us to blood a few of the junior players and give them a taste of high level senior football without having to go straight into the Premier League."
Kempsey's first Premier League match will be on the road in round two against Port Saints.
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