And there's going to be more western area products than ever pushing for a spot in the world's leading rugby league competition.

All but one NRL club has some kind of connection to the Western Rams region in 2020.

Here you can find what players will be where.

Top 30 contracted players

KOTONI STAGGS: Without a doubt, one of the most exciting western exports in a some time. Staggs went from a fringe player to one of the Broncos' most important players in 2020 and the powerful Wellington Cowboys junior will again be vital this year as Anthony Seibold's men plot a return to the top eight. Expect Staggs to start in the centres but he's capable of playing at five-eighth or even in the back-row while he's goal-kicking is more than handy.

Top 30 contracted players

JACK WIGHTON: Few players endured a 2019 as tumultuous as Jack Wighton but when last season finished he stood as one of the best players in the NRL. The fullback-cum-five-eighth was a massive part of the Raiders' run to last season's final. The Raiders have been tipped by many to be firmly in the premiership mix again this season and how Wighton combines with English recruit George Williams in the halves will be vital.

Outside the top 30

Darby Medlyn made real waves in the lower grades at Canberra last season. The Parkes junior was co-captain of the Raiders 20s side which made a run to the grand final while he was also part of the NSW under 20s side that downed Queensland. Riley Cheshire is another at the nation's capital, the big bopper from Bathurst will again be part of Mounties' Canterbury Cup squad.

Top 30 contracted players

JOSH JACKSON: Few people mean more to their club than Josh Jackson. The Gulgong product has because synonymous with the blue and white and while many questioned if his best was behind him heading into last year, he again proved one of the Dogs' best. A tireless worker in the back-row and the captain of the side, Jackson's performances and leadership will be massive for a young Bulldogs side trying to work its way up the ladder. Jackson will become just the 12^th Bulldog to play 150 games for the club.

Outside the top 30

James Stanley whacked players and ran over the top of the opposition for fun during his time with the Wellington Cowboys. An under 18s player last year, Stanley was also regularly in the first grade side as well and got to savour a Group 11 premiership win before making the move to the city. He's starting with the Dogs' 20s squad.

Another connection at the Bulldogs is Dean Pay. The Dubbo product and coach of the Bulldogs masterminded Dubbo CYMS' run to the 2007 Group 11 premiership and has earned real praise for the work he's done with the young Dogs since taking on the top job at Belmore.

Top 30 contracted players

WILLIAM KENNEDY: The son of bush footy legend 'Bubba', Kennedy looks primed to really make a name for himself this year. The Bathurst St Pat's junior regularly starred during Newtown's run to last year's premiership and he also got a taste of the NRL as well. With injuries a real worry in the Shire early in the season, fleet-footed fullback Kennedy could well find himself getting regular minutes.

JESSE RAMIEN: Ramien is back with the Sharks and will be looking to also return himself to the State of Origin conversation. The Coonamble junior made a real name for himself during his previous time with Cronulla but an ill-fated year at Newcastle saw him struggle for form and game time. A destructive ball-runner out wide, if Ramien fires in 2020 the Sharks could well improve on last year's seventh-placed finish.

Top 30 contracted players

SHANNON BOYD: A huge amount was expected of Boyd when the Cowra junior swapped Canberra for the Gold Coast. But, as his been the case with many players at the Titans in recent times, top form has evaded the former Australian representative. One of the biggest props in the competition, Boyd has all that's required to drive the Titans' forward and up the ladder and new coach Justin Holbrook will be hoping to get it out of the former Magpie.

TYRONE PEACHEY: Tyrone Peachey wasn't quite the spark the Titans had hoped in his dfirst year on the Gold Coast but everything coming from the Wellington product's mouth in the lead-up to the new campaign has been hugely promising. The NSW Origin representative now feels settled on the Gold Coast and is ready to get back to his best. As versatile as they come, Peachey has that uncanny knack of opening defences right when it's needed. That's something the Titans will rely on this year.

Outside the top 30

Jeff Lynch will again be in action for the Burleigh Bears in 2020. One of the top club sides in Queensland, the Bears won last season's title with former Cowra Magpie Lynch part of the forward pack. The Bears are one of the Titans' feeder clubs but, despite his consistency, the chance of a rise to the club's NRL side any time soon seems unlikely.

Top 30 contracted players

JOEL THOMPSON: Thompson has achieved a huge amount since his days running around in the colours of Red Bend and the Western Rams. After time at Canberra and St George, Thompson is now one of the real leaders at Manly and his consistent back-row performances will be needed again in 2020 as the Sea Eagles aim to improve on last year's sixth-placed finish. Thompson's also one of the real good guys in the NRL who does a huge amount for the Indigenous community.

Outside the top 30

Tino Faasuamaleaui earned an NRL debut last year and is certainly one to watch in 2020. The tall and rangy Orange-born forward was also part of the Junior Kangaroos squad last year. He played five NRL games last year and looks certain to add plenty more this year, having already been named on the bench for the Storm's opening round game.

There's another major connection to the powerhouse club. Craig Bellamy will embark on his 18^th season as head coach this year. From the small town of Portland, Bellamy spent time playing with the Oberon Tigers before going on to cement himself as one of the greatest coaches in the game.

Top 30 contracted players

CONNOR WATSON: The son of a hard-as-nails former Group 11 player, Watson has struggled at times to find his place at the Knights. But the versatile Dubbo-born player said he's now at peace with his utility role and is ready to embrace it in 2020. The Knights certainly have the talent this year and if Watson can provide some extra spark from the bench it could be what's needed to help the club take the next step.

Outside the top 30

Bayden Searle has enjoyed a rapid rise at the Newcastle Knights in the couple of short years he's been there and he might not be that far away from an NRL call-up. After starting last year in the 20s he worked his way up to the Knights' reserve grade side and earlier this year was part of Newcastle's squad at the NRL Nines in Perth. A hard-running half with a fine kicking game, he'll be one to watch in the lower grades.

The one club this season which doesn't have any ties to the western area.

Top 30 contracted players

BLAKE FERGUSON: It might be a long time since Blake Ferguson wore the maroon and white of Wellington but his home town is never far from his mind. The powerhouse winger said last year he'd love to finish his career back with the Cowboys but he's got a crack at the premiership with the Eels first. There's plenty of hype around the blue and gold this season and Ferguson will no doubt be in the thick of the action.

Top 30 contracted players

BILLY BURNS: The much-loved back-rower from Parkes. Burns scored tries for fun in the lower grades at Penrith and finally got his chance in the NRL last year. In just his second game Burns bagged a double and took much joy in showing off his Spacemen-inspired mouthguard in celebration. Also the club's Canterbury Cup player of the year in 2019, Burns is primed to take the next step in 2020. Someone who can also play in the centres, Burns is part of an exciting young group at the footy of the mountains.

MATT BURTON: Speaking of exciting youngsters, Burton is certainly one to keep an eye on last year. There's been so much talk around the St John's junior it's hard to belive he's only played the one NRL game. Burton impressed when deputising for James Maloney last year and while he's behind Jarome Luai in the race for the number six jersey this season, it feels a near-certainty we'll see the Dubbo export feature in the top grade again sooner rather than later.

KAIDE ELLIS: Something of a veteran among the young western-based players at Penrith. Ellis remain in the club's top 30, having been a reliable performer in reserve grade while also never shirking his duty when called upon in the NRL. Someone who's never been quite able to nail down a regular spot in the club's NRL squad, Ellis will see this season as his chance to get more caps to his name. In a contract year as well.

BRENT NADEN: Naden had an incredible 2019 season. The proud Wellington product went from a virtual unknown to one of the club's best. Naden, who plays in the centres, has an incredible knack of finding the try line and has looked electric in trials. There's a little less expectation around the Panthers compared to previous years but with players like Naden in the lineup they can't be written off.

ISAAH YEO: Mr Reliable himself. Penrith certainly missed the Dubbo CYMS product when he missed the second half of the season through injury. As tough and consistent as they come, Yeo's leadership will also be vital for the club this year following the departure of a number of experienced campaigners. After missing so much footy last year back-rower Yeo will be looking to make a real impact in 2020.

Outside the top 30

Charlie Staines looks the obvious next western product bound for the NRL. The club's Jersey Flegg player of the year in 2019, Staines will start this year in the Canterbury Cup. But with regular Penrith fullback Dylan Edwards injured and a recent NRL development contract signed, the door is open for the Forbes star. Bathurst product Adam Fearnely developed into a key player for the Panthers' Canterbury Cup side last season and will again feature in the halves there, chasing his NRL dream, while younger brother Brad Fearnley will be part of the 20s team alongside Red Bend and Forbes junior Aaron Mawhinney. Ash Cosgrove, Benji Glasheen and Rylee Blackhall are others at the footy of the mountain working to earn a spot in the junior sides.

Another connection to Penrith is Brian Fletcher. From Coonamble originally, Fletcher is now the CEO of the Panthers Group.

Top 30 contracted players

BRAIDON BURNS: Burns seemed all set to establish himself as an outstanding NRL last year before he was struck down by an ankle injury which forced him to miss a big chunk of footy. But he's back fully fit now and again has the full backing of Wayne Bennett, which tells you a lot. Quick and strong with a real ability to score tries, Burns could benefit as part of a powerhouse Rabbitohs backline this year.

Outside the top 30

He was a star for Parkes last year and now Ben Lovett calls Redfern home. A wide-running second-rower or centre, Lovett is someone hard to bring down while the maturity and leadership he showed as Parkes' under 18s captain last year will also stand him in good stead.

Outside the top 30

Few players have improved their chances of an NRL debut more than Cody Ramsey during the pre-season. Someone who never made too many headlines during his time with Molong or Western, the hard work he's put in with the Dragons saw him earn a spot in the club's squad for the recent NRL Nines, where he went on to be named in the team of the tournament. He's also recently earned an NRL development contract at the club so he's firmly in coach Paul McGregor's sights. Another who has been spotted by McGregor is Luke Gale. The former Macquarie Raider, Gale spent the pre-season with the club's NRL squad and featured in two trial games. The Dragons' forward pack is a talented one, but if a few injuries should occur there's no doubt the former NSW Country rep would be in the mix. Another who will play in the Canterbury Cup at the Dragons this year is Charly Runciman. Runciman, who played NRL with the Dragons in the past, spent some time in Super League with Widnes before returning home. Much of last year was focused on footy and studies but he's experience is invaluable in the lower grade.

Outside the top 30

Toby Westcott is back at Norths, the Roosters' feeder side, this year. For someone so young he's well travelled, having originally played with North's Harold Matthews Cup side in 2014 before moving to Penrith and then last year he captained Canberra' under 20s side all the way to the Jersey Flegg grand final. Below a star-studded Roosters side gunning for a third straight premiership it appears Westcott would have to product something special to be in the NRL conversation in 2020.

Top 30 contracted players

WAYDE EGAN: That's right, there's a former Western Ram playing his trade across the Tasman. It could be a big year for Egan too. Having made his NRL debut at Penrith, the Lithgow junior made thew switch in search of regular game time. He's going to get that as well, having been named to start at hooker for the Warriors' round one clash with Newcastle. If he can develop a combination with fullback Roger Tuivasa-Sheck the Warriors could surprise some people this year.

Outside the top 30

Liam Scolari got his chance for the Tigers' NRL side during recent pre-season trials but it's back to the Jersey Flegg competition this weekend. Scolari started his footy in Dubbo before making the move away and has gone from strength to strength with the Tigers in recent times. He'll be playing on the wing for the Tigers' 20s side.