The Reef Raiders wait to exact revenge for last year’s FNQ rugby premier grade grand final heartbreak is just hours away with the visitors set to do battle with arch-rivals JCU Mariners.

In a mouth-watering contest last year’s grand finalists will be eager to demonstrate their early season premiership credentials in their round 1 clash tomorrow night at West Barlow Park.

“Our focus during the pre season has been on gradual improvements each session,” Raiders player Luke Edwards told Newsport.

 “We know our defence is pretty consistent, so we’ve been looking at things like building pressure with the footy and making sure we have a solid gameplan that stands up under pressure.”

The Sunshine Coast product suggested the side’s most recent result against JCU still burns a few months on from the decider.

“It’s always hurts to go down in a grand final, but we know we’re not too far away,” he said.

 “JCU are the benchmark, and we’re excited to take them on in round one. It will be a good marker as to where we sit so early in the season.”

In other matches Brothers tackle Penrhyn, Wanderers face the Mudcrabs and Barron play Southside.