Instead of making mass changes or opening the cheque book, as Wests have been known to do, coach Craig Miller has taken a low-key approach over the summer in planning for this year.

‘‘We’ve been a bit quieter this season with me in year two realising how late the season starts,’’ Miller said.

‘‘I’ve purposely had a more low-key post-Christmas and spent a lot more time in the gym than we would have as a club.’’

The quiet build-up will end on February 19 when the Rosellas play the Knights NSW Cup squad in a trial at Dora Creek’s Neville Thompson Oval.

Miller identified a lack of speed in his outside backs as a weakness after the grand final loss.

Captain Jermaine Ale will shift to the back row this season and Miller has bought former Knights under-20 centres Callan Richardson and Simon Williams and winger Justin Smith (Balmain).

Rosellas junior and prop Matthew Herman has returned from the Knights under20s and former Newcastle front-rower Matt Kennedy is back from France.

They will be used to fill the gap left by Mitchell Garbutt, who signed with Melbourne Storm. Halfback Brad Murray had a trial stint at the Gold Coast Titans over the summer but has returned to the New Lambton club.

Miller’s biggest decision will be Murray’s halves partner.

Last year’s five-eighth, Adrian Davis, looks likely to be signed by the Knights, leaving Tim Penny and former Sydney Roosters under-20 recruit Josh Phillips to battle for the No.6.

Off the field Miller has hired former Knights strength coach Grant Lawrence to build up his side.

‘‘Not knowing we were going to lose Mitch Garbutt, I thought we needed to strengthen our outside backs and get more pace into the squad,’’ Miller said.

‘‘We’re still in the market for a good front-rower and have some points to buy one more but I’ll hold my powder for the right person.’’

Miller expected Cessnock and Kurri Kurri to be his major threats this season after the Goannas made big moves in the player market by signing Terence Seu Seu, Riley Brown and Dan Williams-Metcalf.

‘‘I’ve been super impressed with the gathering at Cessnock,’’ he said.