Forbes’ premiership defence is in full swing following a trial win over Parkes on Friday night, the 2016 champions knocking off fierce rivals the Spacemen 32-24 in game one of the pre-season trial series.

And they did so with a number of new faces.

Returning winger Pat Murphy scored a try in his first game back for the swoopers while under 18s country championship winner and NSW Country under 18s star Jesse Wighton made his first appearance for the club, making the move from Lake Cargelligo in the off season.

And in arguably the biggest move of the 2017 summer, former Albury, Orange Hawks and Orange CYMS prop Mitch Davis has returned to his junior club for the upcoming Group 11 season.

Alongside Grace, Davis was part of Albury’s all-conquering Group Nine side that thundered to premierships in 2012, 2013 and 2014.

Davis was also a member of CYMS’ Group 10 grand final side in 2016, but was granted a release from his contract with the green and golds to help Forbes’ premiership defence.

Davis played in the Magpies eight-point win over Parkes on Friday night and Forbes’ Cameron Greenhalgh said the imposing prop made an immediate impact.

He’ll join the likes of Grace, Ben Maguire, Zac Merritt and Ben Robinson in arguably the best pack in Group 11 in 2017.

“We had a trial run against Parkes on Friday night and he was exceptional. He brings plenty of leadership and toughness to the middle of our team,” Greenhalgh said.

Greenhalgh said Wighton has also enjoyed joining the Magpies, helping fill the void of departing premiership player Mitch Andrews out wide.

Greenhalgh coached against Wighton’s Bidgee Bulls side in the under 18s championship final in 2016.

Forbes takes on Nyngan in their second trial this Sunday.