The 26-year-old playmaker has inked a deal with the Orange United Warriors for the 2021 Wallerawang Landscaping Cup season, the Indigenous man citing culture as a huge drawcard in his decision.

Kelly leaves behind a legacy at Barbarians and while he'll miss the times he had at the club, couldn't be keener to drop the coaching and administration responsibilities and re-find his love for footy.

His position at United isn't set in stone yet but no matter where he plays, Kelly brings a wealth of both Mid-west and Group 10 experience into Kurt Beahan's side and will add to its already-immense premiership credentials.

United came within six point of qualifying for a grand final last season and Kelly understands the expectations at the club he's just become a part of.

"I think we've got a really good team," Kelly said.

"There's a combination of young blokes and old blokes which can be very helpful.

"We know we have the team to beat any side in the competition and we're hoping we can make it to the grand final and take it out."

As for the club culture at United? Kelly couldn't speak enough about it.

"I'm so excited to hop over and join the brothers," he said.

"I'm a proud Indigenous man and playing with all the boys for our culture... it's sort of like Koori Knockout footy.

"You play with your family and it's just so much fun."

Kelly would probably admit he didn't reach his potential throughout 2020 and that can be largely attributed to the off-field distractions at the club.

"It was very hard for me doing the men's and women's coaching jobs," he said.

"I'm excited to go over to United and enjoy footy again.

"I do love coaching but there's a lot of extra pressure and stress with it and you can get to the point where you can fall out of love with the game.... I just want to strap the boots on and have fun."

While United's line-up is unclear, it's set to welcome back the majority of its side from last season and will look to re-sign Ethan Bereyne who was a one-man wrecking ball in 2020.

"He's built like a truck and we're really hoping to get him back," he said.

"It looked like he really fitted in nicely in the front row."

With the possible departure of Barbarians, the Mid-west Cup may only feature five teams as United, Oberon, CSU, Portland and Kandos all are expected to return.

Portland confirmed its re-entrance into the competition with Kyle Willmott and Jake Gale set to co-coach the men's side. Sam Cameron and Bianca Griffiths will handle the women's squad.