St Pat's will have travelling to do over first month of Peter McDonald Premiership

Pat's will travel to Sid Kallas Oval for a game against the returning Cowra Magpies on the weekend of April 2 and 3, then have a longer journey to face Wellington Cowboys in the first of their Group 11 crossover games.

The Saints will have three away games in their first four weeks, enjoying their first game at home against Lithgow Workies before travelling again to face Orange CYMS in round four.

New Saints president Gary Goldsmith said there's a natural feeling of trepidation in the club as they try to tackle a whole new ball game.

"The NSW Rugby League guys have come a long way with this draw, first of all, but I would also say that there's a feeling of consternation personally and among St Pat's about what's going to happen - and I'm sure it's a similar feeling at other clubs," he said.

"The release of the draw will go at least some way towards alleviating a little bit of that. I'd also say that doing a draw is not something that you volunteer to do, especially one as complicated as this.

"The guys at NSW Rugby League have stated that they're open to consultation about it, which is the right thing to do. I do like the fact that for us we can play teams like Forbes, given our connection with the Stubby Collits Memorial game, so working that into the draw is good."

That clash with Forbes is currently penned in for round nine, over the weekend of June 4 and 5 at Spooner Oval.

There are a couple of quirks in the draw that might leave Saints fans and players somewhat dissatisfied.

One of the major ones is that Pat's and rivals Panthers are set to met on just the one occasion - in round five at Jack Arrow Oval.

Meanwhile, Pat's are scheduled to play the Magpies on three occasions.

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