For the first time the prestigious tournament welcomes a visiting side from the small Pacific Island nation and considering Fiji is ranked No.1 in the world in the modified form of the sport you’d be forgiven for assuming the side will be pre-competition favourites.

However, Smith said considering the calibre of others sides coming to play it might be a bit more competitive than punters think.

“I’m sure they’ll be a strong side, the Fijians love their seven-a-side rugby,” Smith said.

“It’s basically their national sport but I think they will be hard pressed to win with some of the sides we have coming.

“Regardless, it’s shaping as a really fantastic competition and the afternoon games (on Saturday) will be great. That’s when every team is playing others of around the same ability, once they’ve been [graded].

“They play the group stages then get split into three divisions.”

The Fijians will face off with units from Sydney clubs Warringah and West Harbour, along with Deadwood Rugby, Cornwallis Crusaders and Alexandria Dukes and the NSW Surburban Rugby under-21 representative side.

They’re just some of the 24 men’s teams fighting it out for the much-coveted Oriental Cup.

“There’s no [Central West Rugby Union] sides this year, there is five local sides from around Mudgee. They’ll be made up of some of the Wombats, a lot of their mates,” Smith said.

Eight women’s teams have signed up as well, with the Cowra Eagles and Wombats set to mix it with sides from Sydney University, Waverley Women, Tuggeranong Viqueens, Hunter Women and the Armidale Barbarians.

“Cowra and Mudgee were the grand finalists in the Blowes Clothing Cup (women’s competiton) so it’ll be good to see how they go,” Smith said.

Games commence at 9am and the finals will take place from 2.30pm.