Josh Yates will be on the team-sheet when Goonellabah Hornets start their season with a Tursa Employment and Training ANZAC Day Cup match, a rematch of last year's final with Alstonville at Weston Park.

Yates, moved to the Hornets from Lismore Workers as a 14-year-old.

"He joined my Under 15's team and I've carried him through until now," said Hornets' coach Michael Primiano.

"Josh has a heap of mongrel in him and is just growing in confidence in each game. He is a great team player and gives 100 per cent."

Yates is a midfielder, who can play on the wing as well.

'He has some awesome pace on him given a bit of room."

Primiano has also brought in Harry Hampson, a striker or winger, from Alstonville.

"Harry's fitted in like he's played with us for the past five years, so I'll be keen for these guys to have an impact in tomorrow's game," he said.

Primiano also revealed he has boosted the amount of experience in his initially young side.

"I've included Kurt Stephens back into the squad after him having last year off. He's been keen as and really gelling with the team," said Primiano.

Kurt Stephens is back and enjoying being part of the Hornets' Premier League squad. Photo: Steve Mackney

"Lloyd Howard also returns into Prems for us and he's looking super fit and sharp so we have plenty of attackers who can play up front."

Lloyd Howard is back from retirement and will be an asset for the Premier League side. Photo: Sarah Gerrard

He said the players cannot wait to take on Alstonville, who they beat in extra-time in the ANZAC Day Cup.

"Tomorrow's squad are as keen as mustard after them all coming and supporting the Championship win in last night's ANZAC Day Cup game and are pumped for their first game.

"We've filled the squad with 18 players and they are all looking to make an early stamp on the season ahead. 

"We've been working a lot on fitness in pre season as well as tactics and shape of the team. Villa will be tough to beat and they will be wanting a final rematch for sure, we certainly won't be under estimating them."

The match at Weston Park kicks off at 4:30pm.