The Dubbo Kangaroos will unleash a batch of youngsters on the Blowes Clothing Cup on Saturday and coach Paul Hausia has backed them to take some risks.
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The Roos begin their Blowes Clothing Cup campaign on the road on Saturday, taking on an Orange City side which ended their season at the semi-final stage last year.
But both sides are expected to look vastly different when they run out at Pride Park.
Former Roos captain Shaun McHugh isn't expected to feature regularly during the first few rounds of the season due to he and his wife's first child arriving recently as well as work commitments, while in a huge blow former NSW Country representative Filisione Pauta has recently departed the club after starting pre-season as a player and coach.
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Tim Beach and Hamish Gordon have been named as co-captains for the 2021 campaign but, adding to the disruptions, the former is unavailable this weekend due to work commitments while new prop Rob McNamara will also miss the City match.
Hausia is of the belief Pauta is going to focus on rugby league this season but despite the absences he's excited to see a side brimming with youth test itself in this year's cup.
Sam Knaggs has been one of the standouts in pre-season and will debut in the forward pack this weekend while Sam Gemmell, Sam Hunt, Hugh O'Leary, and Pat Wheatley are also in line for plenty of first grade minutes.
"It's the energy these guys bring," Hausia said of the up-and-comers.
"They've got vision. We've got a game plan together but if they see something out there and want to take a risk I've said 'you make the decision' and it's up to the captains, too.
"I'm excited to watch the young blokes run around. After what I saw in two trials against quality teams I'm really looking forward to see what the young ones can display moving forward."
While the younger players are set to provide some real excitement, the experience within the side remains.
The loss Pauta and expected unavailability of McHugh would cruel any side, but Beach and Gordon have taken on more responsibility during pre-season while Will Archer, Will Michell, and Will Anderson will also be key.
"We're really thankful for what Shaun McHugh has done but I think he had a chat and said it's time for some of the younger ones to step up and be leaders," Hausia said.
"Shaun and his leadership throughout the club is really appreciated and he'll help and mentor as the leader he is."
Johnny Mafiti is another regular back again this season and will team up with Gemmell in the centres against City.
The Lions roared back into Central West prominence last season and two vital wins over the Roos - one of those in the semis - helped them go all the way to the grand final before being beaten by local rivals Orange Emus.
"People say use it as motivation but I say that's 2020," Hausia said.
"We've got to look forward at what we need to do."
Kick-off is 3.15pm at Orange.
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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.
