It's been eight years since the competition was last held, but Dubbo Bulls captain Scott Fox is more ready than ever for the return of the Western Premier League, and with good reason.
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The last time the competition was held, Fox led the Bulls to three straight grand final wins and personally helped his side to a victory over the Orange Waratahs in the grand final by scoring a crucial goal.
It's a result that may seem all too familiar to those involved in the local competition, after Fox booted his side to a victory more recently in the Bulls 2019 title winning victory over the Orana Spurs.
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While the team that tallied up that hat-trick of titles before the Premier League's demise is unlikely to bear much resemblance to the Bulls' modern team, there won't be many changes between last year's title winning side and the one that takes on the Premier League this year.
"When they first floated the idea, we were worried a few blokes wouldn't be able to travel, but it looks like we'll only lose one or two players, and even those few we aren't guaranteed to not have, all the players are really keen to get into it," Fox said.
Despite the initial concerns, the Bulls haven't had the cause for concern that some teams have expressed about travel times, with most of the playing roster jumping at the chance to travel and compete.
"We're playing strong competition, but there's also that lure of playing in Bathurst and Orange at their pitches, we're not renowned for having the best grounds here in Dubbo, so it'll be good to get up there and play on some proper pitches," Fox said.
"It's challenged the boys a bit to get involved and make sure they have the time to travel."
While some questions still linger over the competition's format, Fox says that the Bulls have been filled with enthusiasm and that the Premier League's return was a long time coming.
"I think it's a great concept, it's a a bit overdue, it was a shame that it folded in the first place," Fox said.
"Having nine teams involved makes for a really strong competition, so we'll hope that it all go ahead, go well and that it'll stick around for a while."
"Right now, everyone's keen to come back in and have another crack."
As a veteran of the Premier League's first incarnation, and a long-time high level player in the Central West, Fox has already seen the benefit to local level talent from playing in a region wide competition, and is certain the local clubs will benefit from the higher level of competition on offer.
"It's absolutely a boost talent wise, clubs like us that can compete in both competitions, local and premier league, it makes us a lot stronger across the board, you're playing against stronger clubs in a stronger competition so that's a given, but you're also able to offer other players in the club the opportunity to step up and play, so you get a deeper side as a result," Fox said.
"Across the Central West and Dubbo, the more we get players playing at stronger, higher levels the better, but in the short-time, the competition will be a big benefit to the whole region."
