Captain-coach Nathan Rose is almost starting from scratch as he prepares for his first season in the role.

Rose revealed the large player turnover little more than two weeks out from the start of the season.

Over half the starting side from the 28-4 grand final loss to Tumut won't take their place when the Bulls travel the border to tackle Albury on July 19.

While the likes of dual premiership-winning captain-coach Nick Skinner, Group Nine's leading pointscorer Jake Dooley and Cameron Copeland moving on were confirmed before the start of the coronavirus crisis, the Bulls have been hit hard by the shutdown.

Now Tim Hurst, Ben Lucas, Tim Jones, Steve Tracey and Brody Tracey also won't line up for the Bulls this season.

Harry Lucas is also out after breaking his ankle while Hayden Jeans has had back surgery.

Only Rose and Mitch Bennett remain in the back line for last year's grand final alongside Kyle McCarthy, Simon Parr, Mitch Curran and Luke McBeath from the forwards.

Rose admitted the impact of the coronavirus has hit the club hard.

"With the boys who aren't playing a few had committed to work during the COVID period and now they are committed to it they are too deep in," Rose said.

"They've lost interest and it's their decision. You can't force them to play, although I would like them to. It is a tricky one."

Hurst, Ben Lucas, Jones and the Traceys all played in the West Wyalong Knockout in February.

While the Bulls have welcomed Tyson and Cody Hodge back to the club, and Dana Ratu moved across from Kangaroos, the clubs will rely on its depth this season.

Rose wants to look forward with the stocks he still has.

"It is a bit of a dent but we will be alright," Rose said.

"We will just work with what we've got and keep moving forward.

"We still have enough blokes to put together a good performance each week, that's for sure."

However it was far from what he expected after being named as McCarthy's successor last season.

"It's thrown a bit of a spanner in the works but you have to roll with it and learn from it for the future," Rose said.

Rose believes the remaining players are looking forward to the season finally getting under way after months of uncertainty.

"All the ones who are there are still keen, otherwise they wouldn't be there," he said.

"The blokes who are still playing are definitely looking forward to the season."

Southcity haven't finished outside the top three since winning their first premiership in 2011.

However Rose doesn't want to place too much pressure on this side.

"There are no expectations," he said.

"Obviously the end goal is to win a grand final but we will just keep our heads down and put together some good performances each week and build from there."

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