Quite the opposite in fact.

“Honestly, I’ve got no idea what to expect,” Gentles said.

“I’m sure they’re really tough games. St Pat’s games always are. I’m sure I’ll have a chat to Matty (Johnson) before the game but I’m not too worried.

“All I’m focused on is my game and going out there and doing my best for the team.”

While Gentles is obviously a novice when it comes to Bathurst sporting rivalries, he’s far from a rookie in terms of hockey nous.

The former Orange Wanderers coach played with the Burwood Briars in the Sydney Premier League for a number of years, but at the age of 36 says he’s got 2017 left in him and that’s probably it.

And that’s why he’s landed at Souths this winter, to continue playing with mate Matt Johnson, who also made the move back to Bathurst this season from the Wanderers.

“I feel like I’ve only got one year of hockey left in me, and I wanted that to be with Matty,” Gentles said.

“The whole club has been really welcoming and it’s been a great move for me so far.”

The gun midfielder believes there’s not a lot separating the competition’s top four, and points wise he’s right on the money with just one win between Lithgow Panthers (16 points) and Souths (12) on the standings.

Lithgow Zig Zag and St Pat’s, both on 14 points, sit between the two.

But Gentles says his side has plenty of improvement left in it.

“I don’t feel like we’re there at, we’ve got the potential and with a few new players coming into the system it was always going to take a few weeks,” he added.

“We’ll click soon, and when we do we’re going to play some pretty decent hockey.”

Saturday’s men’s derby kicks off at 4pm at Bathurst.