Instead they have put the 26-22 defeat behind them and are looking to the season ahead, using the official trials to get ready.

They are already being talked about as frontrunners by several opponents and on Sunday they travelled to Kennard Park for a trial against the Wellington Cowboys, their second hit-out of the year after a match against Dunedoo a fortnight ago.

CYMS ran out 46-30 winners against the Cowboys but Ryan said he wasn’t too concerned about the score, he just wants to see his players getting back to fitness and form.

“It was a pretty high-scoring affair. We took 21 guys, we had a few unavailable, but there is still a month until the start of the season,” he said.

CYMS will blood new players after farewelling Colby Pellow, John Grey and Matt Toole at the end of 2016 but Ryan is pleased with the squad he has at his disposal.

He said the vacancies had given those in the lower grades a chance to step up.

“The competition for places is high and there are spots up fro grabs if guys can show they deserve them,” the coach said.

“We have another trial against Westside on Friday night and haven’t decided if there will be any more before the start of the season.

“We still have work to do but come the start of the season, everyone will be raring to go.”

Cowboys coach Aidan Ryan said he was pleased to see his side put 30 points past CYMS even though they conceded 46 points themselves.

Ryan was excited to see his young side put together a solid attacking performance.

“CYMS are a classy side. They’re the bench mark every year and to put 30 points on them is a wonderful effort as 30 points should win you a game if your defence is up to scratch,” he said.

Ryan has high hopes for the Cowboys in 2017 and is aiming for a semi-final spot after a tough time last season saw them finish with just one win and a draw.

He was impressed with the effort of under 18s players who are stepping up to the main game for the new season, including half Will Lousick.

“Will played above his weight on debut in the halves, Nathan Smith and Norm West also had big games for us but as a team I was happy with everyone’s efforts,” Ryan said.

“All in all I’m really happy with how we went and it’s back to training this week and try and work on our defence and some other small things.”

Wellington will travel to Narromine to take on the Jets on Sunday. Both teams missed the finals last year but are optimistic about the season ahead.

“It should be a good game. We’re hoping we can get a win,” he said.

“We also want to say a special thanks to our supporters who came out on Sunday for a trial match.

“There was a massive crowd who came out and they’re the people we play for each week.”