Nathan Sobey will suit up for Warrnambool Seahawks on Saturday night, allowing mentor Tim Gainey to spend more time leading from the bench.

“He’ll start for me and I can then see what’s going on,” Gainey said ahead of the game against Western Port at the Arc.

“It will be nice having him back. I think the boys will enjoy it.

“From our side, it’s more of a learning curve for our boys to see what it takes as far as working hard for every play.”

Gainey said the Seahawks, who also face Warrandyte in a Sunday away fixture, were disjointed with Australian junior representatives Jay Rantall and Liam Herbert and fellow guard Damien Gray still unavailable.

Gray (knee) is expected back within three weeks.

The Mermaids also have a split double-header against Western Port and Warrandyte.