Fifty years of cross-campus rivalry will be showcased when defending premiers Robb College meet St Albert's College.
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A monster crowd of alumni and friends is expected at Bellevue Oval, which sees the traditional foes meet in Round One of the APJ Law New England Rugby Union competition on Albies' 50th anniversary weekend this Saturday.
The gala weekend includes a 50-year rugby reunion on Friday, March 29, a 50th anniversary gala evening on Saturday evening and of course a full program of rugby on the Saturday.
Although early in the season, Robb College deserve to be regarded as favourites in first grade after taking the title last year, according to Albies' co-coach Scott Waterson.
"They have the shield in the cabinet, so of course they are the side entitled to be favoured in 2019", he said.
Robb have retained most of their premiership winning side from last year and the coaching brains trust of Sam Ditchfield and Dave McCathie, so will be expected to settle into a routine early.
Albies have had to bring through some new blood, but co-coach Charles Franklin is confident in his side's ability.
"We are fortunate that the new players mesh well with the core we have retained from last season," he said.
Waterson believes keeping a lid on the emotion will be key to getting the best from the side.
"It's a huge weekend for the College as a whole and our guys are acutely aware of the tradition and expectation that comes with 50 years of history," he said.
"That said, the burden sits comfortably on their shoulders and they are determined to perform on the day."
Robb had their first hit out at the weekend, taking on Far North Coast premiers Wollongbar-Alstonville in Tenterfield.
Premiership winning teams from the Far North Coast and New England competitions made their way to Federation Park for the four fixtures.
Tenterfield's coach Phil Jones eyed the first grade fixture and believes Robb will be a force in the New England competition.
"Their A grade side is going to be very competitive," he said.
"They matched Wollongbar, it was just Wollongbar scored a couple of quick tries there at one stage.
"They turned up with their A team.
"It is a good side."
