It shapes as a costly blow for the side as McDonald is one of the most experienced players on the roster, having spent time at the Waratahs and Brumbies in recent seasons.

While surgery could be on the cards for McDonald, she's hoping to avoid going under the knife and has her sights set on a six-week turnaround which would still allow her to partake in roughly half of the season.

She might be ruled out of action for a period of time but that won't stop the halfback from sticking with her teammates as she doesn't plan on disappearing when the season gets underway.

"I'm pretty devastated that I might not be able to play at all but I'm definitely keen to still be around the group," she said.

"The group of girls we have this year are unreal and they're all willing to learn and give it a good crack."

McDonald described the injury as a 'freak accident' and even though her thumb sustained some serious damage, she was surprised at the lack of pain that ensued.

"It did hurt but it was really cold at training... I thought it might have only been bruised," she said.

Not only does she intend on sticking with the team throughout the season, she wants to be an approachable figure and someone her teammates can rely on for anything.

"I'm keen to pass on my knowledge to the girls even if I can't be on the field with them," she said.

"Even if I'm just the person someone needs to ask a question to.

"I think for a lot of the new girls, confidence will be key and if all it takes is a word in their ear to say 'hey, you can do it', then I'm definitely happy to be that person."

There's no denying that she's a crucial part of the side but McDonald doesn't think her absence will hurt the team as much as others might think.

"One player doesn't make a team," she said.

"I think the team is going to give it a good crack and learn the game whether I'm there or not."

While the Westfund Ferguson Cup draw hasn't yet been released, Central West Rugby Union CEO Matt Tink gave the indication that the women's comp would have its kick-off date confirmed not too long after the men's, lending credence to the idea that it would start alongside the Blowes Clothing Cup on Saturday July 18, if not a week after.

Nigel Staniforth and the Emus' men's side received its draw and is hard at-work ahead of an opening round away trip to Forbes. Orange City will enjoy a week off during the opening round of action before they play host to the Dubbo Kangaroos in the second round of the season.