LEON Pryce says his preparation for this season will look slightly different as he enters into his second season of coaching at Workington Town.

The former GB and Bradford star now has coaching experience under his belt and says he has learned a lot in his first year that he hopes to use this season.

And fans will get their first glimpse of Pryce’s new-look squad when they run out against Whitehaven tomorrow afternoon to play for the Ike Southward Memorial Trophy at Derwent Park, ko 3pm.

“My preparation this year will be a bit different from what I did last year,” admitted Pryce, who is keen to set off on the right foot tomorrow.

“The pitch is a bit boggier than last year and the ruck will be slower so we have had to look at all of that.

“The main thing for us is to make sure we are structured right defensively and that our fitness is up to the right level for the tempo of game I want to play.

“Our fitness has to be right up there because to play the style of rugby we want we must be able to commit in defence and break away where we can.

“We always have to be working hard and we have to be that fit.”

Pryce is hoping to utilise a big chunk of his squad in tomorrow’s first pre-season friendly against Whitehaven and he knows it will not be an easy game with their neighbours also having strengthened in the close season.

He admits this is a game that nobody wants to lose but he also urged caution that this was just the first game of what is another long season and that there are still a few weeks before the main season begins which has to be his priority.

Both teams have agreed to play 20 with unlimited substitutions so that both Pryce and his opposite number Gary Charlton can get a good look at their squad in action.

Whitehaven are the current holders of the trophy, played for in memory of the late great GB winger Ike Southward. They beat Town last year at the Recreation Ground.

After going ahead for the first time just inside the second half, they did not let their lead slip and began to pull away, winning 30-12 at the final whistle so Town are keen to regain the cup this time round.

The club has also appealed to fans to try and get a bumper crowd for the fixture, which is a shared gate between the sides.

Prices are adults £15, concessions £13 and children £3. However you can make a £2 saving if you pre-purchase your tickets from the club shop between 10.30am and 2.30pm today but no pre-sales will be available on the day.