LSH begin their National League Division Three (North) campaign this Saturday, August 31 at Moss Lane, with Bedford Athletic the visitors, kick off 3pm.

Eric Hughes' men will be keen for a repeat of last year's fine start when winning the first five games. Hughes approaches the new season with his usual brand of cautious optimism and knows that he has the core of last year's successful squad together with new arrivals, and additions from Rugby League partners, Saints, when the Super League campaign finishes in the autumn.

Scrum half Steve Cook is skipper for the third year and is clear on this year's goal.

"After coming so close last year promotion is our only target. We know it won't be easy but we are an improving side, still with a lot to learn, and everyone will give it their best shot."

Hughes and his new Assistant Coach, Paul Woodward, have a lot to consider before naming the first starting XV of the season.

"36 players have featured in the two pre-season friendlies against Rhyl and Macclesfield and we have a number of options for Saturday's game," said Hughes.

The task is made a little easier with new signing Paul Barrow, from Preston Grasshoppers, unavailable, Stefan Ferreira still in South Africa and one of last years stars Martin Gaskell serving a suspension from last season.

With Peter Evans returning from Italy and the signing of Orrell's Martin Riley, Hughes has a strong back row available to him, with Tchakoute, Cashman, Matt Nugent and Keulemans all to choose from.

With strength in depth throughout the backs, Hughes has a poser at No. 10. Both Simon Worsley and Martin Emmett have shared the slot pre season, and both have strong claims. Worsley has done enough over the last two seasons to deserve the starting position, as has Danny Jones on the wing.

In the pack, three of last years successes Jon Hitchen, Alan Marsh and Petrus Du Plessis will all be crucial in this seasons campaign, as will Phil Hewitt. The Moss Lane crowd are ready to respond to the big prop's trademark charging runs.

Finally Hughes has Sean Casey. Last year's record breaking try scorer, player of the year, centre, full back and stand off. Most of the options will depend on where Hughes chooses to deploy his most potent weapon.