The NSW Country Cockatoos incumbent has been based in Armidale for the past four years while studying, has returned to the family property this year.

He has won two premierships there. But he says it’s good to be back with the club where he played as a junior and a colt.

“It’s good to get back into a town team, playing for a community,” French said.

“I think we’ve got more to play for.” 

Current Cockatoos halfback Mahe Fangupo will wear the Forbes club’s blue and white again this year, while barnstorming No.8 Matt Coles will return to the club from Spain next month.

One of the Platypi’s coaches, Phil Prior, admitted his side’s pre-season preparation hasn’t been great but with the personnel at the club there seems to be little doubt Forbes will contend once again.

“Our pre-season campaign hasn’t been great. We had the trial against the Guerie Goats and that was good, but that’s the only game we’ve had,” Prior said.

“We haven’t lost a lot of personnel from last year. Our local boys who played for us last year are strapped up again.” 

It’s a milestone year for the Forbes Rugby Union Club and after the Platypi had a real chance in last year’s grand final, the question on everyone’s lips is can they go one better this year?

The grand final is too far away for Prior to call that yet.

“We’ve made a few short-term goals, to win our first two games,” he said. “We will be competitive.”

While the team wasn’t able to train last week due to wet weather, coach Heamani Lavaka said the squad was able to schedule an excellent one-on-one session with the referees to talk through changes to rules.

The rules announced by World Rugby last December redefine head-high tackles and increase penalties for them.

Round two will see a rematch of last year’s grand final, with Forbes travelling to Orange to meet reigning champions Emus.