Colts look to turn tables on grand final conquerors South Wagga

The two sides will renew acquaintances in Saturday's opening round at Harris Park, after the Blues dismissed the Colts for just 64 runs to win a rain-affected decider last year.

Both teams are looking to compensate for the loss of key experienced batsmen in David Bolton (Colts) and Jeremy Rowe and Warren Clunes (respectively).

Hanigan is confident they have the batting line-up capable of stepping up. He is confident young opener Alex Smith can build on his first season last year, while newcomer Zach Starr will add some power hitting in the middle order.

"Full credit to South Wagga, they bowled really well and won the game (grand final) in that first session," Hanigan said.

"We've moved on but we'd love another opportunity, that's what we're aiming for. We all play cricket to try and play in the grand final at the end of the year.

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Zach's younger brother Harrison is a bowler whom Hanigan expects to play a role in first grade this year.

Fast bowler Hayden Watling is back from injury and bowling quickly at training, while Hanigan is excited about having fellow quick Darcy Irvine for a full season after he made a big impact late last summer.

"After some stress fractures last year he (Watling) come back fitter and a bit stronger. He's bowling some heat in the nets and he'll open the bowling for us," Hanigan said.

"Bolts (Bolton) is a massive loss obviously, we know what he's done for us the last few years, but it gives someone like Alex Smith a big opportunity at the top of the order.

"It's not up to him to get 500 runs like Bolts, it's up to everyone to chip in and play their role. if everyone chips in an extra 10 or 15 per cent we can do that."

South Wagga captain Luke Gerhard knows they'll be the hunted again after winning two of the past three titles, and has faith the younger guys will relish taking more responsibility.

"We've lost Nathan Cooke (ACL) and obviously losing Warren Clunes and Jeremy Rowe, they've been massive part of our team for quite a few years," Gerhard said.

"But it gives another young guy a chance to come through. The core group is still thereabouts, there's still seven or so players who have been there for many years.

"(Young opener) Jake Scott went to the next level last year but the likes of Jed Guthrie, Nathan Butt, Connor McGinn and Noah Harper, those young guys who have had a taste of it can step up."

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