Wagga Tigers prepare for life without Jesse Manton but Murray Stephenson ups ante at training for premiership favourites

Tigers have increased their training schedule to three sessions per week in an ominous sign they mean business in Stephenson's first season in charge.

Theyr'e also preparing for life without forward Jesse Manton. The Tigers triple premiership player was a notable absentee from the team to play Leeton-Whitton first up.

"Jesse's got a young daughter and he's looking to spend more time with his family so at this stage, he's not with us and we haven't planned for him to be this year," Stephenson said.

Manton hasn't been part of the pre-season but hasn't committed anywhere else yet either. Tigers have named Tom McCoullough at full-forward, with John Buchanan currently unavailable.

Stephenson has spoken regularly about how his seven year stint with SANFL club Central Districts was an eye opener in regards to how players need to push themselves to the limit in order to improve.

While the schedule, which includes Monday, Tuesday and Thursday training runs, involves added commitment from the players, 2013 Coolamon premiership winner Stephenson believes it will be justified in the long run.

"I reckon you nearly need to be doing three sessions a week to actually improve," he said.

"You can do two nights and that's fine, but if you actually want to improve your base fitness and your overall skill level and understanding of the game, I reckon you've got to be there at least three nights.

"The guys have been good, it's a bit more time commitment for them but hopefully they're going to get the rewards."

Tigers have named club juniors Will Scott, Fraser Yates, Jeremy Lucas, Xavier Heeney, Isaac Bennett and Paddy Ryan to debut.

Stephenson feels the tough pre-season will help their young players adjust to playing against more seasoned opponents.

"The young guys are definitely going to benefit from a big pre season," Stephenson said.

"It's good for them to get their bodies ready to play week-in, week-out against bigger bodies and men. The improvement in those young guys has been really pleasing.

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"At times you think you're having a red hot crack, but until you step out of your comfort zone I don't think you get the best out of yourself until that happens."

Stephenson is equally adept in attack or defence, but has played up forward in the Tigers' trial and is likely to start there.

"I went over there (South Australia) as a defender and maybe through lack of form I played as a forward, and spent some time there the last three years," he said.

"The playing group is really coachable, there's some characters there and they're really dedicated.

"I think there is a certain amount of pressure for success, but I don't think it's because of years past. Everyone has pressure on them to succeed, or make the playing group better."

The Tigers will start strong favourites to begin their campaign on a strong note in Saturday's AFL Riverina Championships grand final rematch at Leeton-Whitton.

"They're going to be well led with Sam Darley, he's going to be a real quality player for the league and I'm sure he'll lead from the front," he said.

"I expect them to be pretty well drilled and give us a fair run for our money on Saturday."

The Tigers will be missing returning ruckman Tom Osmotherly, who is still recovering from off-season shoulder surgery, for the first couple of weeks, while Will Keogh (syndesmosis) will also miss the early rounds.

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