FIRST year Wagga Tigers coach Matt Rava knows only a fool would underestimate Collingullie-Ashmont-Kapooka.

Rava's Tigers are due to kick off their Riverina Football League season against the perennial powerhouse in a special Anzac Day clash on Friday.

The Demons are coming off a 41-point loss at the hands of big improver Mangoplah-Cookardinia United-Eastlakes last week.

They have also endured the loss of some key personnel over the off-season, headed by prolific goal kicker Marc Geppert, running backman Ben Absolum and midfielder Curtis Allen.

But Rava isn't prepared to take his foot off the gas.

"Gullie are always a quality outfit and they are coached well by Sparks (Shane Lenon)," Rava said.

"I didn't see the Mango game last week but a few of the boys did, and from all reports they (CAK) started red hot and they used the ball pretty well."

Rava singled out CAK veterans Brad Aiken and Chris Gow as two to watch but said he wouldn't be appointing any tagging roles to start the game.

The Tigers will have a late start to their season thanks to being lumped with the round one bye, followed by the Easter general bye.

"It's probably worked against us a bit, in that all the boys were up and about for our practice games then we had that lull again to start the season," Rava said.

"But it's given us a good chance to fine-tune a few things so we will take it as a positive.

"All the boys are keen to get started so hopefully we can start it all off with a win on Friday."

Rava planned to name his team and emergencies Wednesday night but admitted the Tigers were unlikely to be full strength.

Young talent Shaun Flanigan is due to miss the opening half of the season after having his shoulder operated on, while a handful of other players are unavailable for the Anzac game.