The next hit-up the young Orange Hawks prop will take is this Sunday, and when he pushes off the back fence for hit-up number one in 2019 he'll do so as Western Rams' captain.

The 22-year-old's stunning 2018 season was cruelly cut short in August last year by a sever ankle injury, one that ruled the two blues big man out of a NSW Country tour as well.

It was a bitter pill to swallow but one McKellar says has steeled him ahead of the Rams' massive under 23s country championship clash with the mighty Monaro at Parkes on Sunday.

"It was pretty tough," McKellar said looking back at the way his 2018 season ended.

"Obviously it's not the best thing to happen but I'm feeling pretty good now."

He'll lead a Rams under 23s side coming off three, strong pre-season wins over St Mary's, South Newcastle and Oberon.

"We've had those trials and I've been easing back into it. Obviously the leg is still getting used to everything I'm doing again," he added.

"I'm feeling confident and I think we can put it together this week."

He says being named skipper is a privilege.

"Hopefully I can play my best footy; just play a hard, tough game and lead by example. I want to be really vocal out there too," he added.

McKellar is one of five returning players named in Tim Ryan's 20-man squad ahead of round one of the country championship and one of the biggest changes the new skipper has noticed is up front.

The Rams pack is monstrous in 2019.

McKellar was virtually the lone big-bopped in Western's 2018 side, but will run out shoulder-to-shoulder with St Pat's prop Jack Mackey while Joe Duffy (Orange CYMS) and Lithgow big man Cody Godden will come off the bench.

Workies recruit Tui Oloapu gives Ryan's Rams a bit of size on the edge, too, while Hawks star Rakai Tuheke will lock the scrum.

"It'll help a lot, that extra size. The game starts off with the big boys trucking it up and that's what we need to do the hard yards," McKellar said.

And if the Rams can get on the front foot, McKellar expects halves Jack Beasley and Mitch Burke to take control of the game, particularly the former who has been a stand-out in the trials.

"I know Jack's from Group 10, and I've probably only played against him once, but in his trials the way he plays, playing with him he's a completely different player. He takes control of the game and he's fast and elusive. I think he'll be a bloke to watch," McKellar said.

"The boys this year are good enough to do the job and I think they'll lead us around the park really well.

"We'll just be playing footy, nothing stupid, and rip in and match what Monaro have."

Western and Monaro clash in the opening round of the under 23s at 2.20pm at Parkes on Sunday.