That's the feeling of Rugby captain Jacob Hill as he prepares for the new RSL-Whitney cup season.

Hill will return as skipper this summer and is keen to see his side push its case for a first finals appearance since winning the first grade title in 2017/18.

The addition of former Western Zone all-rounder James O'Brien is a huge boost while Hill also knows his lineup is one loaded with potential.

Hill, also a leading all-rounder, represented Western Zone last season alongside clubmate and powerful top-order batsman Ben Wheeler.

READ ALSO:

- More matches and expanded women's carnivals headline country calendar

- Stars welcomed back as Dubbo aims to end Bathurst's WZPL streak

- Golf Club excited by huge numbers on the fairways and major events on the horizon

Youngsters like Darcy Chewings proved themselves as first grade players in 2020/21 while others like Nathan Munro and Aidan Bennewith have a wealth of RSL-Whitney Cup and representative experience.

"We've got a team fill of should-dos," Hill said.

"There's a few names who should score 50 every week or take three-to-five wickets but we just haven't been doing that.

"But it's a new year and the young fellas are that bit older so it will be exciting to see what we can do out there."

The return of O'Brien is a huge boost for the club.

The all-rounder and former Mudgee player was part of the Rugby side that won the 2017/18 title - combining with double centurion Jordan Moran in a 173-run partnership in the grand final - and is back after taking some time away from the game.

"It's massive," Hill said of O'Brien's return.

"You'd rather have him than not. He's like having two players. He's a genuine all-rounder.

"You've found a top four bat and a first-change bowler. You'd definitely rather have him."

Like every other club, Rugby had little chance for a big pre-season due to COVID restrictions.

Training sessions can be done again now lockdown has ended but Rugby's first planned session last week was ruined by rain.

The club got back into the swing of things this week ahead of the first round on Saturday, October 30.

Colts dominated much of the summer on the way to winning last season's grand final and Hill thought the men in red could be the dominant force again, but he's not so certain now.

Rugby is one of many sides which appears stronger on paper this season, with Macquarie adding the likes of Ben Strachan while Brock Larance and Ben Patterson look set to be in the green of CYMS.

"It sound like there's some people coming back or coming from others places. I think it might be closer than you first think," he said.

"It's going to be interesting."

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: