Gibson Park will host the second Ulster derby involving Malone and Banbridge. The East Belfast side have had a limited window to reorganise their coaching and playing resources after the departure of Head coach Jacque Benade and 24 players.

The new coaching team of Jarrett Truscott, Paddy Armstrong and Mark Taylor will be looking a winning start to their league campaign against a formidable Banbridge team that narrowly missed out on promotion last season. Prolific kicker Mark O'Connor has been a valuable addition to the Malone backs with the new front row of Gary Crawford, Dave Cave and Chris Criffiths performing well in pre season.

Injury and suspension rule out Richard Millar and Max Porter. Bann Head coach Daniel Soper was pleased with his teams performance in their friendly against Ballynahinch last Sat. He gives starts to new signings Lee Steenson and former Dundalk player Mike Bentley. Kallan Martin returns from Uni to start in second row. Injury rules out winger John Porter. He is replaced by Ireland rugby league star Clark McAllister.