For CYMS they've got a five-premiership dynasty from Mick Sullivan behind them but St Pat's are looking to avoid a third straight year without finals football.

That's where Luke Branighan comes in.

The former Oberon Tigers player-coach now fills the same role at St Pat's and is looking to start his regular season off strongly in front of a new home crowd.

Branighan has been buoyed by the team's pre-season but knows there's an equally keen CYMS side, led by Dom Maley, hoping to impress in the post-Sullivan era.

"The pre-season's been very enjoyable, the club's been sensational and the players' attitude have been fantastic so we go into this game with confidence," he said.

"CYMS have lost a terrific captain-coach but at the same time they've got an experienced leader taking over who has been involved with the club for a very long time.

"Both clubs are very well run, have a great supporter base and both clubs get on really well off the field. It should be a good fight for the two points."​

Branighan is not alone in the new recruit list.

He's brought along Mickey Hawkings from the Tigers and promising second rower Traie Merritt joins the club from Forbes.

Branighan and Tim Holman make for one of the most experienced halves combinations in Group 10.

There's youth on the Saints' wings with Mick Katu and Adam Booth while one of the stars of the 2014 premiership-winning season, Garry Reilly, is set to start at fullback.

"There's a lot more depth in the squad this year. Last year they started off fantastically, and Greg Behan did a great job, but injuries hurt them," Branighan said.

"This year there's a great feeling at the club. They've lost some great players but gained some great ones as well.

Branighan has an idea of what to expect from CYMS but is focusing on getting his team to complete sets and build momentum in the season opener.

"Early on it doesn't matter who you're playing. It's about having the ability to hold onto the ball, complete at a high percentage and kick well," he said.

"That puts you in good stead for the first four to six weeks and then you can add more tricks to your game. With the side we've got, if we can hang onto the ball then we're going to score points.

"We need to have the right attitude in defence and making sure we're forcing teams to work for any points."

Kick-off is at 2.15pm.