McDonald will form a formidable coaching staff with Matt Waterford returning as an assistant while fellow Dubbo co-coach Kieren Smith is also on board.

The trio will be tasked with trying to guide Central West to a fourth consecutive Thomson Cup, something McDonald believes is quite exciting.

"I think so," he said.

"It's a bit of a new squad and a freshen-up to see how we go.

"It's all new to be as well, we incorporate the southern competition which is good because I never get to see that or the other women's competitions around.

"I only usually see the Ferguson Cup so it is exciting to see the other talents coming through there."

McDonald is now in somewhat of an ironic situation, having co-coached Dubbo since 2020, the Roolettes mentor will now get the chance to coach Bathurst players, a side which has battled his own for the title over the past three seasons.

The Central West Thomson Cup side have dominated the last three years with the likes of Jacinta Windsor, Claudia McLaren and Janalee Conroy all starring at different points while an experienced group has led the way in the forwards.

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With the Country Championships still months away, McDonald admitted this year's group could look a little different.

"I think they've won it the past two or three times," he said.

"They have done really, really well.

"Hopefully we can do the same, I think there are a few girls who have stepped away or hung up their boots.

"It gives the chance for a new side to come in, we had a trial at Borrowa the other day and went well so it will be interesting to see what they can do at the Champs."

As Central West's success has continued, they have begun to lose players to other competitions and even states. with the side acting as a pathway to bigger and better things.

Windsor is now playing for the NSW Waratahs in the Super W competition while McLaren has relocated to QLD and is part of the Reds' extended squad in the same tournament.

The likes of Lillyann Mason-Spice and Bec Smyth have played for the ACT Brumbies in previous seasons and McDonald is hoping we will see more Central West products making the leap forward over the next few years.

"It's great for the entirety of the zone to have quality girls," he said.

"We also have girls who have come in and started training at a young age now moving into the senior rugby plus getting opportunities at Central West carnivals.

"It's great for those young kids who are aspiring to get there to the likes of Jacinta (Windsor), Bec (Smyth) and Lilly (Mason-Spice), it means they can become the next generation of players."

The Ferguson Cup draws have yet to be officially released but it is expected matches will begin on April 15.

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