There has been plenty of pain for the club in recent years, with the losses far outweighing the wins, but Hood hopes a boost in numbers can pay dividends.

Hood believes the club is a much happier place to be and expects that to count on the field.

"The feeling in the club is very positive," he said.

"We've got a really good board supporting us at the moment and they are doing as much as they can to bring the best.

"We're optimistic we are on the way up so I think it is going to be a good season and something we can build on for the next couple of seasons.

"It is looking good."

Reddies have a couple of injury concerns heading into the clash against Wagga City at Conolly Rugby Complex on Saturday with newcomer Luke Seruwaqa among those who won't take his place in the forward pack.

They've also lost Argentinean recruit Gero Pavan on the eve of the season due to work commitments.

However after an influx of Fijian talent helps soften the bow.

"The beauty of this year is we have a little bit more depth than what we've had in our last few years," Hood said. "We've got some good playing numbers so (injuries) are not ideal but it is something we can cover this year which is better."

Wagga City have retained most of their side who just missed out on a finals spot last season.

However Hood hasn't focused on their opponents.

"I've got no idea what City are going to bring on the weekend but we are concentrating on what we can do and our game," he said.

"It is going to be a real interesting comp at this stage and hopefully we can get a long way through it."

CSU is one of four teams in the competition so will get to know their rivals very well this year.

After an interrupted preparation Hood wants the side to come into the shortened season with the right intensity.

"I want to see a high tempo game with intensity," he said.

"We need to make sure everyone is working hard and trying to achieve the outcomes we've got.

"We are under no illusion for the last couple of years we haven't been up to scratch so we just want to improve every week and that we are putting our best foot forward every week and are doing everything we can.

"Not giving up is one of our catch cries this season. We don't give in and that is all we are really looking for."

Meanwhile Waratahs will unveil their new-look back line up against Tumut on Saturday.

Only George Mallat, who has shifted to fullback, remains in their team from the grand final however the forward pack has plenty of experienced faces.

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