Those in Wellington, whether they played for the Cowboys or not in 2019, have been filled with pride in recent months whenever seeing two Group 11 premiership trophies sitting in the town's RSL club.
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It's been four months since the Cowboys' first and reserve grade sides both claimed premiership glory and the euphoria has barely dipped in that time.
The Cowboys players have seen it, many during the past three weeks after pre-season sessions, and while coach Justin Toomey-White is one of the many who loves the trophies' home his eyes have now shifted to the 2020 season.
"It's been amazing. The feeling is there," Toomey-White said of starting pre-season as the defending premiers.
"We'll remember it and it's special to go to the RSL and see that trophy there but, in all honesty, it's a new year. That trophy has a 2020 plaque on it and there's no name there.
"We made history but it's a new season, there'll be new players, and it's a new challenge."
So far this off-season there's been more departures than arrivals at Wellington.
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Richie Peckham has returned home after a season in Group 10 with the Oberon Tigers but he remains the only confirmed major recruit.
Peckham's versatility will be hugely valuable as the Cowboys have lost a number of players who were major parts of the club's success last season.
Steve Gordon, Josh Griffiths, and Tristan Lumley are all heading to play in the Newcastle Rugby League competition while young guns Rylee Blackhall and James Stanley have moved on to chase their NRL dreams.
Blackhall is the latest Western Rams product to link with the Penrith Panthers and he'll play in the their SG Ball squad while powerhouse Stanley has joined the Canterbury Bulldogs.
"They've found an opportunity there and they were perfect for us last year and did the jersey proud," Toomey-White said of the Newcastle-bound trio while adding the entire club was excited for the youngsters' opportunity.
The coach, who is aiming for a return to the field in 2020 after his cancer battle, added a number of conversations have been had with potential new players but is calm about the situation given the club's depth.
It was only a few short years ago the Cowboys were barely getting anyone to pre-season, but a number of reserve graders and juniors have joined the senior squad on the paddock in the last few weeks.
"We've had three of the under 18s train with us and they'll do the full-pre-season," Toomey-White said.
"They can see what we do in the seniors and then take it back to their grade.
We really want to look after our juniors. They've got a good base and a really good coach [Graham Blackhall].
"It's a big transition to the seniors but if we do our part and them what it's like to train with the men then it will do them good in the future."
The coach and two-time Group 11 Player of the Year also pointed to CJ Ralph and Jeremy Thurston as players who could easily slot into the top side this year.
Winger Ralph was one of the standout players in the competition prior to an ankle injury midway through the season while Thurston made a huge impact in reserve grade following his switch from Nyngan, where he'd previously played first grade.
The other pleasing aspect is the likes of Travis Waddell, Dennis Moran, and Dave Dryden have all signed on again for 2020.
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Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
