The Hornets will be led by Greg Rummans this season, taking over from Adam Wells and Angus Norton after they both held the captaincy role in recent times.

For Rummans, he knows he will not be in the job long-term.

"In the absence of a younger option I was happy to help them out," he said.

In recent seasons, Souths have given first grade debuts to several future stars including Ted Murray, Rudy Peet and Lockie Rummans but have lost Norton and off-spinner Joe Coles for the upcoming season.

The Hornets have missed the first grade finals the past three seasons and finished with the wooden spoon in 2020/21.

READ ALSO:

- On the front foot: Association sets new date for season to start

- Bowman targets next mountain to climb after joining the 100 club

- Proud Bobcat backing Yeo and Burton to follow in his footsteps

While winning is always a focus, continuing the development of the younger players in the top grade is a big focus for Rummans.

"There's that sort of core group of young ones we've had to push early, I suppose," he said.

"They've probably played more games then they should've at this stage.

"But gee they are not getting any smaller."

Luckily, Rummans has coached a lot of the Hornets younger players throughout juniors which he feels could have a big benefit for their development.

"I've had a bit to do with the core of them," he said.

"Rather than throw it on them at 16 or 17, I'll steer the ship for a little while.

"It might only be for a year with a bit of luck."

While Rummans may be hesitant to stay in the job for several seasons, he is hoping to make leaders out of the young stars.

"They'll have a bit of input," he said.

"That was the discussion that we can't just throw it on a young bloke.

"They'll have a fair bit of input into how the game day goes and the training goes.

"That should make it quite enjoyable I think."

Left-arm spinner Lockie Rummans, the new captain's son, will enter his second season as a full-time first grader and is one of the teenagers out to build on the promise shown last summer.

"He had a really good year last year," his father and captain said.

"He was one of our better players. He bowled well to good players.

"So hopefully he can back that up this year."

During last season's struggle several players floated in and out of the first grade side.

But the young group of talent the club possesses showed more than enough positive signs of what they can do.

Murray was good enough to make 76 last season against the eventual premier RSL Colts who boasted a bowling attack which included several current and former representative players.

The Dubbo District Cricket Association season was scheduled to start on October 9 but has been delayed due to COVID-19.

Saturday, October 30 is the expected to be the new start date for both senior and junior cricket in the Dubbo region.