Riverina take on Monaro in the first round of the Andrew Johns and Laurie Daley Cups this weekend and both teams are looking to get off to a winning start.

With changes to age groups of the Harold Matthews and SG Ball competitions, Ben Mott is pleased to have more talent at his disposal in the under 16s Andrew Johns Cup.

"It's a really good squad and I hope we can achieve what we are capable of," Mott said.

"There is a lot more depth this year with the Raiders ages moving to 17s.

"It leaves a lot of the top quality kids at home so we are looking forward to what we can achieve."

Monaro proved too strong for Riverina in a trial late last year but the squad has been tightened since then.

With more of their strongest line up available Mott is hoping to turn the tables.

"I've been really happy with our trials and how our combinations are coming together," he said.

"We've got some really good forwards and strong halves this year so I'm really looking forward to where we get to.

"There is a good balance in our pack this year and we have a bit of everything - big bodies with quick feet."

Yenda's Elvis Nauer-Wood is one forward predicted for a big season while Mott has been impressed with halves Riley Powderly and Brayden O'Reilly.

Both representatives finished third in their pools last season, to just miss finals berth before the conclusion of the competitions were cancelled due to COVID.

Tim Humphries is back as Laurie Daley Cup coach this season and has been impressed with the commitment of his squad.

"I think we've got a reasonably good forward pack and we've had a good summer training session," Humphries said.

"We're looking forward to these young men trying to lay the platform down to open it up for our outside backs."

West Wyalong's Dylan McCartney has been named captain of the side with Humphries impressed with the lock's attitude.

"To date his leadership in the trial games and at training has really been next level," Humphries.

"He's definitely one worth keeping an eye on."

Both sides play five rounds in the competition with their next two games at Leeton and Harden.

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