CYMS has dominated the local rivalry for more than a decade but given the Raiders' massive recruitment drive in the lead-up to the 2021 season there was the suggestion the balance of power was shifting.

But in last weekend's opening round of the new season CYMS gave a timely reminder of its quality as it ran in eight tries in a 40-10 demolition job over Parkes.

The new-look Fishies had the plenty of power up-front thanks to new recruits Brydon Ramien and James Stanley while the likes of Jeremy Thurston and Ali Beale have added some flair to the backline, and co-captain Jyie Chapman was as happy as anyone to see his side dominating again.

"I think we've got the most talented backline in the comp and the best forwards," Chapman fired ahead of Sunday's round two meeting with Wellington.

"There's been a lot of talk about Macquarie but I think, overall, our team is a lot better.

"That just might be me being part of CYMS but everyone is talking about Macquarie and I'd rather play in my team every day of the week."

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Comments like that will add spice to the Dubbo derby later in the season but there's also expected to be plenty of fire when the Fishies travel to Wellington on Sunday.

The last time the two sides met was in the 2019 grand final, which the Cowboys won to spark wild celebrations among the Wellington faithful.

Plenty has changed since then and a number of players who lined up at CYMS during 2019 now call Wellington home.

The Cowboys side which runs out at Kennard Park on Sunday will feature former Fishies Corey Cox, Wade Kavanagh, Harry Kempston, and EJ Fernando.

"It's going to be the same every time you play Wellington. They turn up, they're tough, there will be some niggle, and it will be fiery with a few gone across there," Chapman said.

"Wade and Coxy know our game plan and Wade knows how to press everyone's buttons so I can't wait for the challenge.

"We know how Wade plays. You love him or you hate him and I think he's a great player and an unreal kid and he's a great signing for Wello."

With a number of players, headlined by Western Rams representative Kavanagh, having gone to Wellington and a handful at Macquarie as well there is a fresh feel around the CYMS lineup this season.

Both new coach Shawn Townsend and Chapman said there's still plenty to come from the side after round one with the latter expecting the best of his side not to show until close to halfway through the season.

As well as the new players, there's a slightly new style under Townsend.

There were some scrappy moments in the win over Parkes as the side looks to play a little more ad-lib footy and attack with some flair.

"We're going to use the ball a lot more compared to previous years," Chapman said.

"With a new coach there's new ideas and we've got Jack Smith in there and he's a great ball-handler and Ali Beale is too.

"With the electric attack we'd be silly not to use it."

Chapman heads into this weekend's match having notched up 10 years with CYMS last weekend.

The centre is a Western Rams representative and former Group 11 player of the year and he said being recognised by his club prior to the match against Parkes came as a real shock.

"It was very unexpected," he said.

"I didn't even know it was 10 years but there was a bit of a presentation before the game and that was a really nice gesture."

Sunday's match at Wellington kicks off at 2.30pm.

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