The Wombats' season ended with a 50-7 loss against Dubbo Kangaroos in first grade on Saturday, and forfeits in the lower grades, but Sutherland believed the club was on track to be a competitive force in coming seasons.

He highlighted the club's wins over Narromine and Parkes as an indication they were on the right track as they made the transition from GrainCorp Cup level to the top grade.

"We've been on the end of a few hidings this year, and while that was disappointing we also scored a couple of wins over good sides," Sutherland said.

"Unfortunately things didn't end well for us, having to forfeit the lower grades, and I do feel sorry for Roos that we put them in that situation.

"But overall I think we've done a pretty good job, and with a year behind us hopefully we can do a bit better again next year."

Mudgee has traditionally been a strong breeding ground in junior rugby, and their registration numbers indicate that is again the case this season.

Having a strong junior base is another reason Sutherland is convinced his club's long-term plan to remain competitive at the top level can come off.

"We've got good numbers on our books but it's just a matter of waiting for those kids coming through the juniors to get to the point where we can play them in Colts and our other senior grades. It's going to take time," he said.

"We feel we've made the right decision by coming up to the Blowes Cup though. We've never had a need for those other grades before but we'll pick up as we go along and be a strong club, I've got no doubt about that."

Sutherland's comments were backed up by his Roos counterpart Paul Hennock, who said the Mudgee side's inclusion had been a boost for the competition.

"They've hung in there this year and while it was unfortunate they didn't bring the other two sides today I think they should be happy with what they've done," Hennock said.

"They've had a good year, won a couple of games and certainly challenged a few sides.

"When we went over there in the first round they gave us a real tough half of football before we got on top in the second half. I hope they're back next year."