NEWPORT start the Principality Premiership with a cracker at old rivals Cardiff on Friday evening as they attempt to live up to greater expectations.

The Black and Ambers enjoyed an excellent 2015/16 to be in the mix for the play-offs until the closing weeks of the season, when five successive defeats saw them drop to sixth in the table.

The campaign contrasted starkly to its predecessor in which they propped up the pile after struggling for tries and were only saved from relegation by Championship winners Bargoed not having the criteria for the Premiership.

This time round Newport won't go under the radar and have bolstered their squad, notably by securing the return of experienced ex-Dragons centre Tom Riley.

"High expectation is healthy because that contributes to an aspirational team," said head coach Craig Warlow.

"I don't think there is massive pressure but we work really hard so have every right to be wanting to win things and challenge.

"We will have the same approach, we will prepare thoroughly to win the game against Cardiff then do the same the following week, trying to improve each time.

"We have to make our environment as good as we possibly can and we have a lot of people doing a lot of hard work to that end."

Riley is joined in the squad by fellow new centres Tom Pascoe and Chay Smith while flankers Reuben Tucker and Kyle Tayler arrive from Cross Keys and Newbridge respectively, lock Dan Mock also signed from 'Bridge and Pontypool prop Garin Harris adds to the front row options along with promising Dragons academy front rower Christian Coleman.

"Going to Cardiff when the weather is nice on a (plastic) pitch that is conducive to the kind of rugby that we play is a great way to start the season," said Warlow.

"We had really good hit-outs against Rosslyn Park and Coventry in pre-season so are in a good place with lots of competition for places.

"With the new split we need to start the season well and if teams win their first two games they are rolling, lose and the pressure is on."

The Black and Ambers were edged out 36-28 in last season's corresponding fixture. They haven't beaten the Blue and Blacks in Cardiff since 2012 but will take confidence from winning the Foster's Premiership 7s plate in the capital last Sunday.