MERTHYR’S strength in depth is such that Ebbw Vale’s preparations for tomorrow’s meeting with the reigning Principality Premiership kings will need to be even more meticulous than usual, according to Steelmen head coach Lee Davies.

The Ironmen, who took on the mantle of league champions from Ebbw at the end of last season, boast a squad brimming with talent which is funded by millionaire backer Stan Thomas.

And Davies reckons it is the options Merthyr have at their disposal which makes planning for them such a tough task.

“They’ve got lots of boys who have tasted success in the game and have added value with what they bring to the club off the field,” said Davies.

“As with any sport, it can take a while for new players to gel, and that’s what happened with them at the start of the season.

“Lee Jarvis (former head coach) leaving as well has meant it’s been a transitional period for them, but they’ve still got a big set-piece and are good in the pack and behind it.

“With the strength in depth they’ve got, you’ve got to plan for a number of different scenarios.

“Richard Powell and Tom Riley are dangerous players, and Powell has got a big kicking game, so they can play expansively or keep it tight among the forwards.”

The game at Eugene Cross Park (kick-off 2.30pm) is the first between the teams since Nigel Davies left Ebbw to join Merthyr in May.

Davies, who guided the Steelmen to the Premiership title in 2016, took on the role of chief executive at the big spending valleys club.

“I had a chat with Nigel the other week,” added namesake Lee. “He’s a great bloke and it’s so good to be able to pick his brains whenever I want.”

When asked how much he would like to get one over on his former Ebbw colleague, he joked: “Nothing would please me more.”

Ebbw sit seventh in the eight-team eastern conference.