The Western NSW hub was hit harder than any other centre in regional NSW, at one point recording near 50 new cases of the virus per day.

But with vaccination rates now at incredibly high levels - the Dubbo Local Government Area should pass 95 per cent second dose by Monday - excitement is building ahead of the city's second NRL game.

The match will be the second the Rabbitohs have played at Apex Oval after being thumped by the eventual premier Penrith Panthers earlier this year in front of over 10,500 people, and it's also the second in the club's two year deal with council.

No announcement on an extension of that agreement has been made.

But Dubbo Regional Council chief executive officer Murray Wood said the match during 2021 helped bring a much-needed economic boost to the town, and in 2022 that win will be even more necessary.

"Our region has been hit even harder more recently due to the Delta outbreak in regional NSW, so there is no doubt that a full crowd at Apex Oval in May 2022 will bring not only economic advantages but, social and community participation benefits for our region," Mr Wood said.

Apart from bringing the match to Dubbo, the Rabbitohs also brought their Souths Cares team to town with a number of leaders being former players including Rhys Wesser and Ethan Lowe.

"I look forward to seeing what the Rabbitohs' Souths Cares program will provide for the youth of the Dubbo region this year, following excellent feedback from their work in local schools last season," Mr Wood said.

Member for Dubbo Dugald Saunders is hoping the spectators get the chance to see two high-quality teams play again at Apex Oval after both Souths and Penrith went on to make the grand final.

While the crowd this year had to be limited due to COVID-19 restrictions, Mr Saunders is confident next year's game will be bigger and better.

"I'm hoping we'll be looking at a capacity of somewhere around 15,000 to create an even better atmosphere in 2022," he said.

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