The Green Bloods lost some significant talent at either end of the park.

Keeper Luke Jennings and striker Daniel McGovern are heading to Europe to play sport.

Jennings is hunting a football contract while last season's golden boot winner McGovern will play cricket in England.

Midfielder Josh Casey has signed to play with Maitland FC in the State League and his partner in crime, Liam Clarke, has moved to Newcastle for university.

Damien Cross has retired.

There's plenty of talent coming through the ranks though. John Moody will replace McGovern at striker tomorrow.

Sam Taylor is a good, young midfielder and Jack Pilgrim will also move into seniors in the latest step forward in a long United career.

Pilgrim, a defender, started in the under 6s.

"I can see him in first grade by the end of the year," Walsh said.

The triathlete will run all day.

"He's fit as, and his skills are coming along nicely," Walsh said.

A host of new players means they'll have to learn United's structure.

"If seven players know it and five don't, we'll have to start again," Walsh said.

Simon Granfield, Adam Woonton, James O'Connor, Brock Longworth, Lucas Heagney, Brad Spokes and Andy Collins will return.

"We've got the skeleton of a strong side," Walsh said.

He was under no illusions as to how hard the match was going to be. The Rosebud have already beaten last season's State League winners Lambton Jaffas 3-2 in a trial.

The Jaffas team included former Leeds United and Newcastle Jets player Michael Bridges.

"It's going to be tough, but we've got to get something out of the game," Walsh said.

"We'll be highlighting areas which need improvement."

Tomorrow's match kicks off at 2pm.

A combined team of Port United juniors and Saturday league players will take on the Rosebud under 19s at 10.30am, and reserve grade will play the under 22s at 12.15pm.