NEWPORT Titans could not have asked for a tougher debut in the Welsh Rugby League Conference during the summer as they have been drawn to play last season's runners-up, Aberavon, in the newly-published fixture list.

And last season's totalRL.com National Shield runners-up, Torfaen Tigers, face a trip to Cardiff Demons on May 2.

But the date both teams are likely to look towards is May 31 when they meet head-on in the first ever Conference Welsh derby in Newport, the return being on July 17 at Pontypool United RFC's Conway Road ground.

The Titans, who will be playing out of Pill Harriers RFC's Courtybella Terrace ground, enter the Conference after gaining approval from the competition organisers just a few months ago.

And, although there is still a bit of work to be done before the kick-off against Aberavon, they are already busy talking to northern contacts.

Secretary Paul Cooper said: "We are working to forge links with St Pat's in Wigan, who are coached by Andy Gregory (ex-Great Britain scrum-half) to see if we can bring some players down during the summer."

Meanwhile, the Tigers are building on their success from last summer, which lead to them facing Bolton Le Moors at Warrington's Wilderspool stadium in September, losing in the Shield final.

They have got a new Under-17s and Under-15s section section planned and all the squad which gave them their incredible summer are ready to pack down again this year.

Weaver said: "Everytime I'm walking past a sporting venue, andpeople are talking to me, it's all Rugby League, Rugby League and when are you doing it again?"

However, he is aware of the increased competition this year, which includes the Tigers' opening opponents, who were in the South West Conference last summer, and the reputation Torfaen have built.

He said: "After last season, we are there to be shot at this time. It's massive this year and I think the boys are really focussed on the new season.

"It's an exciting challenge and they are committed to the cause."