The representative halfback was with Aggies when the trophy, named in honour of Andy Stanham, was introduced two years ago.

With Ag College not taking part in the competition last season due to COVID, the trophy will be up for grabs for the second time when the two rivals clash at Beres Ellwood Oval on Saturday.

McTaggart made the switch to Waratahs this season, after helping Aggies to grand final losses against their crosstown rivals in his two seasons with the club.

With a changing of the guard, the 28-year-old thought the timing was right to make the switch.

"It's a natural progression but probably just a bit later than everyone else," McTaggart said.

"A few other mates were heading to Waratahs and a few other mates had left Aggies so I thought it was a good time to change over to let Aggies start fresh with another uni cycle.

"They've got a lot of young fellas and can develop their own sort of team as I wasn't going to be there forever.

"I'm definitely happy with my decision."

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It's been a season of differing fortunes for the teams who battled out the 2018 and 2019 grand finals.

Waratahs have one lost just one game while Ag College have two wins to their credit, both over winless CSU, through the first half of the season.

Despite that McTaggart expects a tough test from his old club.

"I was saying the other night that I know what motivates them and we definitely can't be taking them lightly at all," he said.

"It should be really good and we're under no illusions it will be an easy game for sure and we've got a few boys out.

"We know we are going to be up against it and they won't stop for the full 80 minutes."

Waratahs have had to make plenty of changes with James Daley, Tony Ritchie, Sam O'Leary and Dan Selmes all unavailable due to a wedding.

Dave Capp will also miss the clash after breaking his nose.

Wilson Kelly and Peter Havrlant come out of second grade for the clash.

Coach Michael Davis believes it's a good opportunity for some to rise to the challenge in the top grade.

"We've got guys who have been filling in for us and reserves so I don't think there will be too much change in regards to the level we are trying to stick at," he said.

The two teams clashed to start the season with Waratahs taking a 46-0 victory.

Davis expects to meet a fired up Ag College outfit on their home turf.

"I'm sure they will be up for it playing for the COL Cup," he said. "It always brings that little bit of extra physicality and emotion.

"It's a good way to keep remembering Andy and while they've got a few new faces I'm sure the emotion will still be there for them.

"We're not expecting anything different."