The Group Nine wooden spooners only won one game last year, in the second last round of the season, and have lost plenty of experience during the off-season.

Both co-coaches from last season have moved on with Matt Forsyth leaving for Shellharbour at the end of last season while this week Chris Maher linked with Group Nine rivals Brothers.

James Woolford has returned to Young following one season away from his junior club while young forward Wayne Parker was moved to join Orange Hawks.

New Zealand recruit Romann Leota also won't be back, but Byrne has backed the moves the club has already made to fill the void.

"We might have lost four or five players but we've brought in four or five as well," Byrne said.

"I think they will be just as good, if not better."

Byrne is expected to return to the field after toying with retirement last season while Cootamundra have added Caleb Tohovaka and Jordan Coleman from New Zealand.

Both come with good recommendations, especially Coleman who represented New Zealand under 18s last year.

Former Group Nine Indigeous All Stars player Joe Cook is also back in town and keen to play.

Byrne is hoping to add at least one more in before the season starts.

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Returning for another stint as coach, Byrne isn't expecting miracles but is confident they will be an improved outfit this season.

"It's not going to be an easy year, and I've always said from the start talking to the group that I wasn't going to promise we were going to makes finals, or win the comp, but if we stick out another two or so tough years we will reap the benefits in five years time," he said.

"All the guys are pretty young, apart from me most of the guys are 23 and under.

"Haydn (Cowled) is only 23 himself and he's coaching and there is no denying we will miss that leadership that experience brings, but hopefully we can be competitive enough to give the guys some hope and they don't lose interest in the sport."

Byrne admitted the losses frees them to potentially bring in more new faces.

However he fears they might not have the same drawing capacity as some of their rivals.

"Obviously Coota can't compete financially with most clubs, which makes it hard," he said.

Cootamundra get their season under way with a clash with Young at Alfred Oval on April 18.

It means an early game against Woolford but Byrne was understanding on his reasons before the return.

"He said the travel was a bit much," Byrne said.

"He runs his own business and has a handful of kids at home so that's fair enough."

However he was disappointed Maher had left his junior club for another rival.

"I don't know if anyone is in the same financial position we are but we can't compete financially with other clubs so we have to rely on local guys sticking local," he said.

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