Less than six months ago, the Lions completed an undefeated premiership season by defeating the Gorillas 20-6 in the big dance.

Now the Troy Grant and Neil Farmilo co-coach Gorillas will have the chance to get one back against their old foe.

"While the grand final loss still hurts, revenge won't be our main reason for trying to win on Sunday," Gorillas five-eighth Jamie Burns said.

"We know how strong of a side they are and what a win against them would do for not only our confidence but the season as a whole."

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The Gorillas, despite losing star fullback Justin Jones to a season-ending knee injury prior to round one, showed there is no grand final hangover in round one, by defeating Shellharbour at Ron Costello Oval.

"We started the match sloppy against Shellharbour and found ourselves behind on two occasions," said Burns, who admits it's great to have Aaron Henry, Lloyd Thomas and Tyson Brown back at the club.

"They are a strong side but full credit to our boys for sticking with it and grinding out a tough win.

"Especially considering we had a little bit of a reshuffle due to Justin's injury, seeing myself move to six and Blair [Grant] to fullback and it took some time to adjust but it's starting to gel, mainly because of how well Blair and Cam [Vazzoler] play off each other.

"We've taken a lot away from that game, fixed what we've needed to at training and will try and translate it to an improved performance on Sunday."

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Although the Lions got the better of them on all three occasions in 2020, Burns is confident his side can stem the tide from 3pm Sunday.

"It's imperative we get our middle third of the field and defence right against a side like Gerringong, because we know we have enough points in us to beat them," Burns said.

"We know they've got a big forward pack, so it'll be up to us to muscle up and stick it to them.

"If we do that and win on this weekend, it'll only add to our confidence that we can go all the way this season - especially to all the young boys in the group.

"It will also put the competition on notice that we're here and are ready to give it our all this season."

The Lions, on the other side of the field, will come into the round two fixture with no games under their belts, following a season-opening bye.

However, inspirational skipper Nathan Ford doesn't believe their lack of game-time will be a concern come Sunday.

"Although we are going in with no trials or matches under our belts, as Berry pulled out this season, we're looking extremely fit across and board and can't wait to get out there," Ford, who was part of the Illawarra South Coast Dragons side alongside fellow Lions Dylan Farrell, Judd Collyer, Corey Mulhall and Hamish Holland that finished second in the country championships, said.

"We know it'll be a big test for us, against a highly motivated Warilla side but it'll give is a solid indication of where we'll need to improve as the season progresses."

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Although the Lions, who haven't tasted defeat since losing to Kiama in round two of the 2019 finals, will have a new man on their sidelines this season, Ford doesn't expect much to change this season.

"Scotty [Stewart] has brought a touch more structure to our game, especially at the attacking end of the field," hooker Ford said.

"Most of what we do is going to stay the same because if it ain't broke, we're not going to fix it.

"We've added and tweaked a few things, while trying to incorporate a few new players, but you can expect to see the same type of Lions side in 2021."

Some of those additions Ford alludes to include the likes of Dylan Farrell and Aaron Grigg, who will no doubt bolster Gerringong's forward pack.

"We've probably got the biggest forward pack Gerringong's been able to put on the field during my time at the club," Ford, who's won five premierships with the Lions, said.

"The best part about it is we have depth, which is where we've struggled a little bit in recent years - it's going to be great to have a fresh 17 each and every week, which is something Gerringong hasn't had in years.

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"Our pack and strike out wide should allow us to compete with anyone in this competition, starting on Sunday.

"And with a lot of our younger guys improving, I can't see why we can't firstly win on Sunday but also go back-to-back this season."

Also kicking off at 3pm on Sunday will be the eighth instalment of the Shellharbour Showdown between the Stingrays and Sharks at Flinders Field - with the hosts winning their first-ever clash between the crosstown rivals in 2020.

While the Knights and Bulldogs chase their first win of 2021 at the Kiama Showground.

The Saturday game will see two round one winners, Jamberoo and Albion Park-Oak Flats, lock horns at Kevin Walsh Oval - with Nowra-Bomaderry having the bye.