Head coach Steffan James, a former hooker at Parc Mawr, believes that Bonymaen have a stronger squad than previous seasons though he realises the test ahead of his side this year.
James has been boosted by the news that powerful back-rower Allan Powell has rejoined from Llanelli and that prop Richard Murphy is back after a spell at Tonmawr, along with lively wing Chris Hoppe.
James said: “We have also signed Dan Joseph from Waunarlwydd, winger Ryan Bayliss from Llanelli, Tom Kingdom and Gareth Dagless from Skewen and Anthony Evans and Ricky Rosser from Birchgrove.
“Ian Brooks, David Leonard, Richard Jones and prop Greg Cunniffe have returned from long term absences and Stephen O’Connor, Curtis Wright, Jordan Farley, Connor Salter and Ben and Nathan Beck have graduated from the youth and will compete for a first-team place.”
Bonymaen have won pre-season friendlies against Kenfig Hill, Beddau and Penlan and meet Gilfach Goch on Saturday.
They are also boosted by the return of Nathan Brooks, who has trained with Llanelli but returned to Parc Mawr where he is a huge favourite as a player who can cover almost every back position.
James added: “We will select our captain next week and our first league game is away at Newbridge Fields against Bridgend Athletic, where we lost 33-13 in last season’s opener.”
The fixture will provide a marker for Bonymaen, who edged out the Athletic last November by 15-14 in the return fixture.
The two clubs are among the best producers of young talent in South Wales and James and his men hope to come away with a first Championship victory next weekend.
