So says last year’s skipper Adam Scimone, who is expected to retain the captaincy.

With the majority of last year’s retained and an old face in Kenny McCall returning Scimone said he’s confident the Mariners, unlike last year, can build some consistency and with that the competitiveness will come.

“It’s just pretty simple,” Scimone said. 

“We just want to be competitive and not just making up the numbers, like the past few seasons.

“We’ve always had the squad to be competitive, so it’s all about having a good pre-season and we’ve got a few trials pencilled in.

“Every team is beatable in this competition and we’ve got a good team. Hopefully we can get through pre-season injury-free and have everyone available.

“A lot of the boys have had their own fitness regime to stick to, so hopefully we can get into some ball work straight away and get our match fitness ready.

“It doesn’t matter what level you are, a good pre-season pays off.” 

McCall last played for the Mariners in 2016, pace is his most dangerous asset and Scimone said his comeback will be a big boost for the club.

The Mariners start the season proper against Fraser Park at Lithgow’s Marjorie Jackson Field, a home game for Western on March 11.

That’s a tough ask, considering Fraser Park are the defending champions.

The home ground advantage is a boost against the reigning champions, Scimone said, and it will be all season, considering the Mariners will play 17 of their 26 games in the central west – at Orange, Bathurst, Lithgow and Mudgee.

Scimone is also keen to play on Bathurst’s Proctor Park, when the redevelopment is finished.

“I’ve been keeping a close eye on it. Shame it’s not going to be ready a bit sooner,” he said.

“I’m keen to play on it. We’ve got a good mix of boys from Bathurst and Orange. We consider Bathurst to be one of our main homes.

“It’s looking good and hopefully the facilities keep to those standards. It helps, especially for the boys in Bathurst who grew up playing on it.

“It’s been a long time coming.”