A NEW look Rylands Sharks Open Age side begin preparation for the 2015 NWML season with a friendly against Premier Division Champion outfit West Bank Bears on Saturday.

The Sharks are under new management with former Warrington Wizards head coach Matt Wilson now at the helm.

The club's head coach has been on a strong recruitment drive ahead of the new season and Wilson says the Gorsey Lane outfit are confident going into Saturday's friendly with a side two divisions their senior.

“We have been back in training since the middle of November due to the change in coaching set-up and the lads have reacted brilliantly and really bought everything we are trying to achieve," he said.

"They're chomping at the bit and now ready this weekend to show what we are capable of.

"West Bank are a top side and won the Premier Division, so it's just what we want; a tough test to see where we are.

"We want to be playing National Conference rugby within a couple of years and it's games like this that will put us in good stead. ”

The Sharks have brought a number of new players into the club, who Wilson believes will only improve on what was a good team last time out.

“We have a really young side and last year, although the club was pleased with its progress, we needed in my opinion to add a little bit of guile and experience," he added.

"We have done that. We have managed to bring Craig Harris in from Woolston to play in the halves, Chris Dean and Jamie Trantum joined the club from semi-professional ranks in the off-season and Ant Braide joined us from Bank Quay.

"All these guys are going to really improve what is a naturally maturing team and we can’t wait to get going."

Saturday's game kicks off at 2:15pm at Rylands Recreation Club, followed by friendlies v Bank Quay on February 7, Widnes Tigers on February 14 and the Archie Know memorial game versus the RAF on February 28.