Group Nine will take a strong side into the annual clash with Group 20 as they look to continue their dominance in the Kelly Cup on Saturday.
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Group Nine haven't been beaten since the concept was transformed into under 23s in 2017 and you have to go back to 2012 to find the last time their western rivals were able to take a win in the representative fixture.
New Group Nine coach Luke Berkrey was actually part of that last loss and is determined to extend Group Nine's hot streak.
He's pleased with the team he's been able to assemble.
"I didn't know how strong of a younger core group of players there were until we were going through and picking the side," Berkrey said.
"It is a really good team."
With the timing of the clash Berkrey has made five changes to the side due to injury and unavailability.
Brothers five-eighth Dylan McLachlan headlines the list with the Weissel Medal runner-up out with a broken hand.
Southcity pair Mitch Bennett and Luke McBeath also come out after featuring in last week's grand final loss.
Dylan Murdoch and Connor McCauley come out of the forward pack as well with Cootamundra's Haydn Cowled, Albury's Liam Wiscombe and Young's Jayke Hogan elevated to start.
Jesse Corcoran has been named to start in the number six jumper while Albury fullback James Girdler has been named at hooker.
McBeath's withdrawal posed a few headaches over the role as hooker however Berkrey is confident Girdler will adapt to the role.
"I know Girdler played a little bit of hooker (for Riverina) last year and from all reports went really good there," he said.
"He played fullback all year but I'm sure he will be right to slot into the role.
"We've also got young Jeremy Wiscombe to play off the bench.
"He hasn't played a lot of first grade, if any, but coaching against him this year he's a gun and I wanted to have him in there."
The Group Nine side will train for the first time on Thursday heading into the clash at Nixon Park.
With finals commitments for many in the squad Berkrey thought the short preparation was the best way to approach it.
"I'm not sure what kind of team Group 20 will bring over but I'm confident these guys should go pretty well," he said.
The women's tackle clash kick starts the day at noon before the under 18s clash at 1.20pm and the under 23s at 2.35pm.
All three are selection trials for Riverina's Country Championship campaign next year.
GROUP NINE UNDER 23s
