While they will be without inspirational leader Nathanael Mooney, who scored all 22 points in their grand final win, this season the team features more regular rugby players.

Co-coach Michael Kanck hopes it will allow them to bring a different approach to this year's competition.

"We've definitely got a different team dynamic to last year," Kanck said.

"We've probably got half the squad who played last year, which is handy, but I think we will have some different strengths to what we had last year.

"We've probably got a few more rugby players than last year so our skill base and knowledge of rugby is a bit higher and we're trying to play a smarter game across the board."

A grand final rematch with Kildare Catholic College is the highlight of the first round of this year's tournament at Conolly Rugby Complex on Thursday.

Kooringal High School and Wagga Christian College kick things off at 4.30pm before the game between The Riverina Anglican College and Wagga High School.

Due to COVID restrictions, spectators are unable to attend.

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