The draw for the season has been released, with 'Tahs to play host to their cross-city rival on Friday, April 9 at 7pm.

The home side's head coach Adam Scimone is one of many looking forward to the match.

"I was hoping for a derby first up," he said.

"A lot of members are keen for it and obviously a big rivalry between the two clubs so it's good to set the precedent first game.

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"We're looking forward to it and hopefully kick off things with a W and set the bar high and go from there."

Scimone's crew will have plenty of chances to use that home ground advantage early on, as they won't have to travel away until round 8 against Panorama FC in Bathurst.

They are coming into the season in fine form as well, having knocked off fellow WPL side Lithgow Workies 5-0 on Sunday.

Asked if there were any big signings, he pointed to the recent acquisition of Niall Gibb.

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The Englishman joined the side just last week and will play in the centre of defence for Waratahs.

Unsurprisingly, Barnies coach Josh Ward is eager to get things started.

"It will be good to get the first Orange derby out of the way early," he said.

"It'll be good to get it out of the way and build on the season going forward.

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"We had an internal trial game last Sunday against the Barnies A/B grade side. It's good for the boys to get minutes in the legs and it's good to put a few goals away."

Not short a player either, Ward was also pleased to say that they too have recently gained a player to bolster the back line in Brendan Reilly.

A former APIA-Leichhardt Tigers in Sydney's NPL1, Ward said he "can't wait" to see Reilly strap on the boots for Barnies.

"I think getting points on the road will be big for us this year," the coach added.

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"We've got two Dubbo games in a row and a Parkes game so starting off and picking up points on the road will be a good start for us.

"We've settled on a new formation which nobody probably saw Barnies do last year, so we'll hopefully be a bit of a surprise for teams with our new formation.

"Round 1 is all we're focused on at the moment."

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The remaining matches in the opening round will all take place on Saturday, April 10. Macquarie United will host last year's premiers Dubbo Bulls at 4.30pm at Hans Claven 2, Lithgow Workies will host Panorana FC at 3pm at Marjorie Jackson while Mudgee Wolves will make their long awaited return to the WPL with a trip out to Parkes to take on the Cobras at 6pm at Woodward Oval.

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