Webster, who was named fullback for the 2009 NRL Under-20s Team of the Year, signed on with the Marlins in late March and co-coach Sam Drew said the Mustangs Group Three premiership winner has had an immediate impact on the side.

"It's been absolutely awesome to have him around the side," Drew told the Argus.

"Mal's presence has fired everyone up. He brings a real belief to the side and everyone has been buzzing having him at training.

"He will slot straight into five-eighth for us."

Drew also announced Mal and Buddy Blair have been named as captains for the 2019 season.

The Marlins were awarded a victory in the opening round, as the Shamrocks were forced to forfeit the match.

"I think they weren't able to play because they didn't have the numbers," Drew said. "But we weren't told of an official reason."

The Marlins will instead get their season under way this Saturday when they host the Laurieton Stingrays.

While Drew is confident of earning a win in the round two clash, he admits they will need to be cautious of the Stingrays' large forward pack.

"They were able to add Tom Maguire as captain-coach and he is a quality player who helped the Sharks win a premiership in Group Three last year," Drew said.

"Tom is a no nonsense forward who isn't afraid to get amongst it in the middle of the field.

"Because of that, we expect them to be strong in the middle of the field and around the ruck."

Drew admits they will need to nullify the Stingrays' ability to march down the field and get a "roll on" but also said they will remain focused on their own job.

"We will stick to our game plan and not get to focused on what they are doing," he said.

"We plan to stick to the basics, play high percentage football and if we earn the right then we will attack."

The Marlins and Stingrays contest will kick off at 2.30pm at South West Rocks.

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