While their playing careers are long over, both players have kept their allegiances with Sironen the manager of the City team and Blocker the assistant coach for Country.

They were in Dubbo yesterday as part of preparations for the Country v City clash at Apex Oval next month.

As well as visiting the Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Old Dubbo Gaol and the Cyril Flood Rotunda, they went to Apex to see how it was shaping up for the big game.

Sironen is talking up 2013 winners Country as favourites for the clash because of the depth of talent available to them. He is confident City will be able to select a competitive side but said Country did have the advantage.

"Our pickings are a bit slimmer than the country boys, they've got a stack of players in certain areas whereas we are a bit light on unfortunately but the guys we pick will do the job for us," he said.

The Country v City concept has been criticised by some sections of the game for being outdated and unnecessary but Sironen said it was important to both players and fans.

"Every time you cross that white line you're ready to play. I know the Country boys always take it seriously but so do the City boys. Representing your grass roots, where you come from, is important," he said.

"For a lot of young blokes it is their first rep game which means a lot to them.

"It's great for the bush too. It's good for kids to be able to see their heroes play."

Roach feels Country v City also gives players the opportunity to see how representative teams come together and make best use of the limited preparation for games.

"There's blokes who are lining up, doing their best to try and get a rep jumper. It's the first toe in the water and gives them an opportunity to see what the preparation is like," he said.

He wants to see a full capacity crowd turning up for the clash.

"I think it's fantastic to see it come back to Dubbo. Rugby League has been big here for as long as I can remember. I think the stadium can hold 15,000 so I want to see 15,000 people here, there's no reason why we can't," he said.

Blocker is expecting a young Country team to be named, with a lot of up-and-coming talent to be given a chance, while Sironen is expecting City to be similar to last year.

"I think it will only be injury that will force a few changes. My young bloke [Curtis Sironen] has been busted, he was surprised to get picked last year, but he and James Tedesco will miss out this time," he said.

Fans who attend the match should expect a good game, according to Roach, who said rule changes for 2014 have improved the code.

"The games have been good. They've got rid of the third man in and the lasso tackle and we're seeing a fair bit more attack," he said.