Max Knight Challenge Cup just part of Wagga City-South Wagga puzzle

Renamed in honour of the only person afforded legend status at the Blues, South Wagga captain Luke Gerhard believes the cup only adds to the rivalry between the two clubs.

"Max is a life member of the club and pretty close to our hearts so it will be a pretty big game," Gerhard said.

"It's a good thing to have happened as a way to honour Max and remember what he did.

"It's an exciting game so hopefully we can get the win."

Adding to what is always an intriguing contest is Jon Nicoll's impending retirement.

The seven-time Brian Lawrence Medal winner announced Saturday's clash at McPherson Oval would be his last.

Cats captain-coach Josh Thompson is hoping the side can give him the send off he deserves.

"It would be nice to send him out with a win so hopefully we can do the right thing by him," Thompson said.

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Wagga City were bowled out for 80 by Wagga RSL last week to slump to their first loss of the season.

Thompson just wants to put the effort behind them.

"It was just a bad day at the office," he said.

"We're going to have days like that as not everyone can fire at once and that's what happens when you have a young group - you have to take the good with the bad and just move onto next week."

Thompson believes the start will be crucial trying to rein in the minor premiers, who are unbeaten to start the season.

"Hopefully we can get a good start and not let South Wagga dominate or dictate the whole game," he said.

"The key is taking wickets early or otherwise they can get away from you in the first 16 overs and they are probably the best in the comp at it."

The Blues are hoping Alex Smeeth will be fit for the clash after struggling with a hamstring complaint.

If not Jake Scott will remain at the top of the batting order.

"It would be a handy inclusion if he's right to go and if not we'll back the same game plan we did last week," Gerhard said. "Obviously Jake would open again and it's a massive game - probably our biggest of the test for the year - and a massive game for them with Jono retiring."