Wagga is looking to reverse its recent O'Farrell Cup form with a place in the new-look grand final up for grabs.
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Wagga host Cricket Albury-Wodonga Hume at Robertson Oval on Sunday with the winner to remain in the hunt.
Holbrook, who have merged their association to become part of the new CAW Hume, have beaten Wagga in their two challenges in the past two seasons.
Combined with a failure to win the cup off Albury, in what is now the last challenge of the competition, last season captain Joel Robinson is out to hit back and return to form.
"I think the boys who have put their hand up to play are definitely keen to get in," Robinson said.
"We are going in keen to have a win and are going to have to play well."
Robinson is pleased with the team that has been assembled.
Four of Wagga's six clubs are represented.
Wagga RSL contribute five players to the side, South Wagga have three, English pair Beck Frostick and James Evans will represent St Michaels while Josh Coyte is the lone Lake Albert player.
Wagga City and Kooringal Colts don't have a player in the side.
With a long batting line up and plenty of spinning options in the side, Robinson is looking for luck at the toss.
"I think it is going to be a case of trying to put a big score on and maintain and contain that way," he said.
A new pool format was introduced this season, replacing the challenge system which has operated for over 90 years.
Three CAW teams, holders Provincial, Hume and District, along with Wagga are taking part this season after Griffith withdrew.
The lack of nominations has drawn criticism of the new format, but Robinson believes it is the right direction for the competition heading forward.
"I understand the history behind the O'Farrell Cup but I also think what they have done is the right way to go," he said.
"Hopefully it will improve in the years to come and the smaller towns will actually get around it.
"The idea of having to play two games a year rather than possibly 10 is much more appealing for players these days."
CAW Hume are coming off a four.-wicket victory over CAW District in the first match of the changed format of the event.
There are doubts over Darcy I'Anson, after he took five wickets last week, but Robinson expects a strong opponent.
The winner will tackle CAW Provincial in the final next year.
WAGGA O'FARRELL CUP SIDE
Joel Robinson (c), Sam Perry, Brayden Ambler, Ethan Perry, Beck Frostick, Josh Coyte, James Richards, James Evans, Tom Doig, Ben Willis, Lachie Skelly