Orange High will travel to Bathurst this Thursday and Friday, where they will take on title holders Bathurst High Campus of Denison College in the first round of the cup series.

Arden spoke about what victory would mean to the school which has not won the cup since 2016.

"It really shows how good our school community is and what brings us together," he said.

"It shows our juniors what they have to look forward to in the next few years when they become seniors themselves and get to take over the mantle as leading us to the cup."

As for confidence, fair to say the school leader has plenty of it.

"I think we have a really good chance to get the cup back and beat Bathurst and Dubbo," Arden added.

"This week will be really important because not being able to play last year, to come back this year with such a dominant side and to win this week will set the standard for when we play Dubbo."

Also taking part in the Astley Cup is Dubbo College. The three schools will also vie for the Mulvey Cup in debating.

Bathurst High has also won the last three Mulvey Cups.

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