SEDGLEY Tigers kick off the new campaign at home to Broadstreet on Saturday and coach Geoff Roberts says his side just can't wait to get started.

In the past two years, the Park Lane outfit has narrowly missed out on promotion from National League Two North after finishing in fourth and third place, and Roberts knows a good start this time around will go a long way to them landing a spot in the top two this season.

"We feel pre-season has gone well for us so we are very much looking forward to getting on the pitch now," he said.

"Broadstreet were difficult to play against in the last game of last season so we are expecting another tough encounter.

"It's all about momentum. If we can get off to a good start and then maintain it by stringing a few wins together then it will lift the confidence. That's certainly the way we want to go."

The Tigers, who will be without Oli Parkinson and Mike Quickenden for the opener, struggled with injuries last season but with 12 new summer signings, the Park Lane outfit have plenty of versatility and competition for places.

"We've got a few knocks but we've no major injuries," said Roberts.

"A number of players did well through pre-season so selection is going to be a tough call.

"Everyone is competing for their place. It's a nice problem to have."

The Tigers were beaten 59-7 in their final pre-season at Championship side Doncaster Knights a fortnight ago.

Winger Jamie Harrison scored the only try for a determined Tigers side, with new boy Rhodri Carlton-Jones adding the conversion.

Despite the defeat, Roberts was delighted with his side's overall performance.

"We wanted the players to be tested during pre-season. We felt the team would get more out of it," he said.

"Doncaster are two leagues above us with a strong 28-man full time squad so it was always going to be tough.

"We scrummaged well and our performance overall was very good.

"Most of our players have never played at that level before, so although we lost, it did put down a good marker for us and has given the players a confidence boost ahead of the new campaign."