Shropshire take the first steps on the long preparation road to the RLF North Midlands Championship tomorrow - almost five months before their title quest begins.
The cream of the county’s forwards will be invited to the first of six training sessions at Newport at 1pm.
Selectors Gordon Wood and Cledwyn Hughes have visited all Shropshire clubs either side of the Christmas break and have formulated a provisional squad.
More players are almost certain to be added to the final squad as Shropshire - who were beaten 26-15 in last year’s final against Worcestershire & Herefordshire - look to regain the trophy they won in 2004 and 2005.
“We pinpointed the line-out and lack of cohesion as the reason for last year’s loss and Gordon believes having these squad sessions will enable Shropshire to be better prepared,” said spokesman Gavin Masters.
Shropshire’s championship starts on May 1 when they hosts Worcestershire & Herefordshire in a repeat of last year’s final before, travelling to Greater Birmingham seven nights later. The final will be held on May 15 - but no venues have yet been confirmed for any games.
By James Garrison
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