The black and orange will mark a 20-year first, forming a senior women's side to take part in the newly formed Western Women's Rural League.

Harvey has been at the forefront of establishing the new league, which will run for about a month and give senior women's sides in Orange, Bathurst, Lithgow and Dubbo a chance to play at a high level closer to home.

Saturday will be the league's opening night, and the first senior Orange women's side will take on Dubbo from 7pm at sir Neville Howse Stadium.

Harvey can't wait, with history to be made when that opening tip-off takes place. He said it's a moment in the game's history his mix of youth and experience is embracing, too.

"I think they do know the enormity of what's about to happen, very much so. The last time we had a women's side in Orange colours was 20 years ago, and that was an exhibition game, more than anything else," the Eagles' coach said.

"The girls are gelling well, they're excited, enthusiastic and looking quite good. I'm pretty pleased with how it's going, on and off the court."

Dubbo will be a tough first-up assignment for the Eagles, with the Rams' girls regulars in state league competitions.

Harvey, though, says some of the home side's more experienced players - think Sophie Heta, Jody Thornberry and Razz Muir - are capable of ensuring the Eagles will be more than competitive.

"You can only worry about own environment, but this league will be tough," he said.

"The amount of talent around western is great, so it's going to be great to be able to show that now on a local level.

"We've got a good blend of older heads and younger guys, it's going to be great to see Carmen (Dederer) and Jody put on an Eagles jersey again. Jody has NSW experience."

And it's that experience that's already rubbing off on some of the side's youngest players, with Sami Harvey and Rachel Masling both just 15. Harvey senior can see it, too.

"For sure ... already at training, you can see the decision making from some of the younger athletes has improved a lot," he added, before touching on what it's been like to see the competition come to fruition.

"Obviously we're hoping to win but, for me already, to have the competition endorsed by NSW and now to get it up and running, to build these platforms and then form competitions, even with COVID ... development is the key. I love seeing coaches, players, referees strive for that next level," Harvey said.

He said a men's competition was already in the works, with November a likely start date.

Orange takes on Dubbo from 7pm on Saturday night. The teams will warm-up from 6.30pm.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: