Group Nine players dominate the squad, with six Leeton representatives the only Group 20 talent in the 26-strong line up.

Rudd, who has committed to a second season at the helm of the under 23s is, pleased with the quality assembled.

"It is a pretty strong squad," Rudd said. "Some guys are now too old for the 23s, losing people like Zac Masters is always difficult to fill, but we had the Group 20 v Group Nine trial at the end of the season and trial match against Western which gave me an opportunity to look at 30 to 40 diffrent guys.

"There are some new guys who are coming in who will definitely add to the squad and it looks like a more attacking squad to what it was last year with the inclusions of Dylan McLachlan and Mathew Lyons I think we have a bit more ability to score points than we did last year.

"The forward pack is still very strong and I think all going well we should improve on what we did last year."

Among the fresh faces to the squad is new Kangaroos captain-coach Hayden Ashcroft.

The squad has their first training session for the year at Beres Ellwood Oval on Saturday and will train once more before a trial against Victoria Thunderbolts in Albury on January 25.

The Country Championships start in February.

RIVERINA UNDER 23s SQUAD

Eddie Jackson, Timoci Vatubuli, Hayden Ashcroft (Kangaroos), Hayden Cowled, Luke Levett (Cootamundra), Liam Wiscombe, Jeremy Wiscombe, James Girdler (Albury), Jayke Hogan, Jesse Corcoran (Young), Royce Tout, Mathew Lyons (Gundagai), Jock Ward, Hamish Starr (Temora), Mitch Bennett, Brody Tracey (Southcity), Dylan McLachlan, Jordan Little, Connor McCauley, Nick Hay (Brothers), Josh Fisher, Tye Fletcher, Reece Wilesmith, Kirtis Fisher, D'andre Williams, Daniel Fisher (Leeton)