The Dubbo Rhinos played a huge role in the success of the Ella 7s in Dubbo, the committee putting in a huge amount of work behind the scenes while the club also fielded sides in the men's and women's competitions.
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But as good as the weekend was, it was all about building towards the 2020 season proper.
The Rhinos' men's side showed real promise at times on Saturday, particularly in the convincing 38-5 local derby win over Mallos' Magpies in the opening round.
Players like Eddie Gusuivalu and Kelevi Ralulu, not seen in Rhinos colours before, shone in that match and coach Darren Taylor said newcomers were just one of the things for fans to be excited about just weeks out from round one.
"We've played well and I'm very pleased. It's building for our season," he said after the opening win.
"It's looking good. Training has been great and everything has been positive. There's new players as well and we've done our homework."
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The Rhinos finished last season's New Holland Agriculture Cup with the wooden spoon and while there's plenty of optimism around the club in the lead-up to the new season, Taylor isn't letting anyone get carried away.
"There will be speed humps and I've said that but we just know how to get over them," he said.
Matt Williams was another to shine in the Rhinos win over the Magpies, who showed plenty of heart in the match and were right in the spirit of the weekend.
"We're over the moon to be a part of it," Taylor said of the carnival.
The Rhinos now turn their attention to next week's annual trip to Forster and pre-season clash with the Wallamba Bulls.
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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.
