Roosters veteran Robbie Gregg will line up against Warrnambool at Reid Oval after overcoming off-season hip surgery.

The creative forward kicked 42 goals from 16 Hampden league games in 2014 despite carrying the injury.

North Ballarat Rebels-listed duo Charlie Lee and Kyden Jarvis — themselves smart crumbers — are among the young Roosters expected to benefit from Gregg’s return.

South Warrnambool coach Nigel Kol said Gregg was a dangerous player ready to make an impact.

“He was pretty handy last year as a forward with one leg, so we are hoping he can put a bit of dynamo into our forward set up,” he said.

“If the conditions are inclement it will probably suit him. It will be nice to have someone with a fair bit of experience in the team.

“He won’t do anything on the ball, just play as a forward.”

Kol expects his young charges to also learn from one of their opponents — Warrnambool midfielder-forward Tim McIntyre.

The former Adelaide Crow was among the Blues’ best in their season-opening win against reigning premier Koroit last week.

“Our kids can learn something from him and how hard he works,” Kol said.

The 2011 South Warrnambool premiership mentor was pleased with the Roosters’ efforts in their round one loss to Camperdown.

Scores were tied at three-quarter-time before the Magpies slammed on eight last-quarter goals to run out comfortable winners.

Kol said the wet weather was a test for the Roosters and that he was “hoping conditions are a little more favourable for a young side” tomorrow.

“I think we acquitted ourselves well for three-and-a half quarters and learnt things, went back to the drawing board and looked at the tape,” he said.

Warrnambool coach Scott Carter said the Blues were wary of the their cross-town foe.

“I expect them to be a young and enthusiastic side who I imagine will enjoy the wide open spaces of Reid Oval,” he said. “From our point of view we’re really happy with our start last week.

“It was a good, strong hit-out in tough conditions and to get an eight-day break is great.”

Blues spearhead Jason Rowan had surgery on his torn anterior cruciate ligament on Monday.

justine.mc@fairfaxmedia.com.au