The Blues missed out on the finals after managing just two wins but have welcomed back the likes of Brodie Rigby, John Roberts, Jack Hodges, and Navi Tiko. All four were influential figures in the club’s 2015 premiership success.

“It’s great getting some more senior leaders around the club,” Stephen said after last month’s Imperial Hotel Rugby 7s where the Blues defeated defending champions Narwan in the shield final.

That experience and leadership was something they noticeably missed last season.

It was a bit of a rebuilding year, but one they learnt a lot from and will be better for.

One of their biggest downfalls, Stephen said, was their inability to execute under pressure and under fatigue, something they have worked hard over the pre-season to address.

He has been encouraged by what he has seen so far, the Blues wrapping up their preparations with a trial against Coffs Harbour.

They also played in the Cresent Heads 7s.

“We’ve played some 7s which has given the boys fitness,” Stephen said.

“The key now is to pull together a 15-a-side plan and structure that suits our strengths.

He believes one of their biggest strengths is the speed they possess outwide.

“Our outside backs speed is still second to none in the competition,” he said.

The challenge is being able to provide them enough ball to exploit that.

The addition of Tamworth this season has re-energised the competition and brought a bit of an unknown factor.

“We don’t know what we’ll see in Tamworth,” Stephen said.

They got a bit of an idea at the 7s coming up against the newcomers, and just getting over them.

The Blues immediate focus though is last years runners-up Robb College at Bellevue Oval on Saturday.