Kaierau moved their veteran fullback Ace Malo into first-five, inside of their other Steelform Wanganui incumbent Areta Lama, while they experiment with other players under the protection their senior men can somewhat provide.
"We've got a few who want to try out, so we're trying them in different places."
With four byes each, Kaierau will not settle on a concrete Premier line-up for several weeks, given they have two Saturdays without games in April.
In a reversal of the Pirates migration, the defending champions' standout midfielder and New Zealand Under-19 Heartland rep, Kameli Kuruyabaki, has switched to Kaierau this year to play alongside some of his schoolboy mates.
The transition appears smooth after he was named the game MVP against Ruapehu.
"His intention was always there to play for Kaierau at some stage, and we're certainly happy to have him," said Savell.
Through these last two seasons of doldrums, Kaierau's greatest asset has often been their Achilles heel - a brave nature to spread the ball at every opportunity not being met with the ability to always control it.
Through the rounds they are often one of the competition's highest points scorers, while also conceding the most.
"I encourage them, if they think something's on, to give it a go," said Savell.
"But you have to rein them in a little bit.
"It's got us unstuck a few times."
Dave Hoskin Carriers Marist will be hoping the raft of Under-20 players they introduced last year will be a little older and little wiser when they travel to Memorial Park to play Utiku Old Boys in the season opener for both teams.
"We only get younger," said coach Jason Hamlin.
The side have made a couple of good pickups as former NZ Heartland player of the year Cameron Crowley returns from Australia, although the winger is out injured currently.
Handy lock Lake Ah Chong will join the team from the disbanded Marton Premiers, while Hamlin is hopeful the other 2014 Wanganui representatives in prop Viki Tofa and winger Simon Dibben are available - although that depends on injury and work commitments.
Because of the early season disruptions, Marist had only two warm-up games in five weeks.
Utiku coach Gavin Thompson was also only able to get his guys together for three games before the season kick-off proper.
The team will welcome back their Fijian imports for a second season, with Michael Nabuliwaqa, Semi Radradra and Malakai Volau all confirmed.
In the other matchup, Taihape will travel to the Pa to meet Harvey Round Motors Ratana, smarting from their heavy 46-7 loss to Border in Waverley last week.
