Dubbo CYMS happy under the Group 11 radar in 2019: Bonham

The rise and rise of Nyngan, coupled with the work of Justin Carney, in 2019 as well as the glittering recruitment drive out at Wellington have dominated the opening month of the Group 11 season, while the up-and-down fortunes of southern giants Parkes and Forbes offers plenty of intrigue.

But the more things change out west the more they stay the same.

And the Fishies? Well, returning five-eighth Alex Bonham says his side has little problem flying under the radar.

"I think so, it's good to hear a couple of teams coming up this year. There's a bit of pressure on us to be the top dogs once again," Bonham said.

"But we're happy flying under the radar this year."

They may be flying under the radar a touch but the Fishies showed why they're still the competition's benchmark outfit on Sunday with a gripping 29-22 win over defending champs Forbes.

Down a stack of troops and behind 22-12, CYMS fought tooth-and-nail to eventually jag a hugely important two points on the road at Spooner Oval.

Bonham says first-year coach Jarryn Powyer is setting the same standards the club has prided itself on now for the best part of a decade and striving for that same level will ensure CYMS remains at the top of the Group 11 tree, even if they get there a little unnoticed.

"Jazz is doing a great job ... we'll get there," Bonham smiled.

CYMS tackles Parkes on Sunday at Apex Oval, with the league tag match-up a top-of-the-table clash to kick-off the day at Dubbo.