Luke Petrie has resigned with Manildra hoping to guide the Rhinos to that elusive Woodbridge Cup crown following a dazzling 2021 season cruelly cut short by COVID-19.

Petrie was one of the stars of the cup competition, guiding the club with aplomb in the No.7 jumper and looked on track to help the red and whites make a serious run at the title, what would be the club's first in over 20 years.

But NSW's COVID-19 lockdown throughout August and September put a real dampener on the end of the season, and put the kibosh on a mouth-watering end-of-season match up between Petrie's Rhinos and the high-flying Canowindra Tigers.

But in some good news for the club headed in 2022, Petrie is back - and he's confident the bulk of his 2021 squad will join him as they look to finish what they started.

"All the boys are keen to go again, and the club was happy for me to go again," Petrie said.

"It was unfortunate they way it all ended, but we're ready to reload and go again.

"I think we'll pretty much be at 90 per cent (back for next year). Most of the boys are coming back and then guys like Sam Hill and little brother (Will) have indicated they're keen again."

It'll be Petrie's third season in charge at Manildra, but so far the pandemic has impacted both 2020 and 2021 campaigns.

In the limited on-field time he's been able to get in red and white, Petrie says the side's attack has flourished but he's hoping a return to a more renowned Manildra game plan can help take the club to a new level next winter.

"Manildra's always been known for its defence. Having that set will make a massive difference for us," Petrie said, adding he's learned plenty while in charge at the club.

"For me, it's important to try and be in the game for the whole 80 minutes.

"When I've played in the past, it's been easy to come in and out of games or be good one week and then poor the next. I think being consistent will be key."

Petrie is hoping the rest of the Woodbridge Cup's clubs are able to rebuild and return for another crack at the title in 2022, especially given "any of the top five could have been in the grand final".

"I'd like to think top teams will be back," he added.

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