Formed in 2011 by Shannon Gage, Nic Ah Kuoi and club president Nathan Anderson, the Cowboys won the title in their debut year in the Southland competition and now look to make their mark in the Otago equivalent.
The Dunedin-based Eagles finished third last year and will be looking for a good start against the newcomers.
Eagles player-coach Dave Broughton said his team boasted a good core of returning players and was aiming to finish in the top two.
''Hyrum Martin will be one to look out for. He is a very good player,'' Broughton said.
The other first-round game, a repeat of last year's grand final, features the South Pacific Raiders and Otago University.
The Raiders completed a perfect season last year with 11 wins and one draw in round robin play before beating University 28-12 to claim the title.
The champion has most of its squad returning. Manager Gianna Leoni said the Raiders were looking forward to their title defence but knew the competition would be tougher with the inclusion of the Cowboys.
University is assistant coach and player Ben Loughrey-Webb said the students had a good group of returning players.
Halfback James Devoe and prop Joe Bywater, in their second year, would look to stamp their authority on the competition.
University finished second in the competition last year and won the title in 2013.
Kia Toa Tigers, who celebrated their 60th season last year, have the bye this weekend.
Player Ian Blake had just joined the side but was settling into a club steeped in tradition.
''I love the culture the team has. We are really looking forward to this season,'' he said.
- Andrew King
