It's been a long wait but Group 11 rugby league will return this weekend and if that's not enough to get fans from around the region excited, the 2021 season is shaping as one of the best in some time.

There's been plenty of change at each club and almost every side looks stronger than it did during the 2019 season.

With the action now just days away, here's all you need to know about the seven clubs taking part in the 2021 season.

Captain-coach: Justin Toomey-White

2019 finish: Premiers

Notable additions: Colt Ure (Macquarie Raiders), Harry Kempston (Dubbo CYMS), Corey Cox (Dubbo CYMS), Derick Peachey, Wade Kavanagh (Dubbo CYMS).

Notable losses: Travis Waddell (Goondiwindi), James Stanley (CYMS), Dave Dryden, Aidan Ryan (retired).

What the clubs says: The Cowboys are aware it might take a little time to really develop the new combinations. The side which runs out on Sunday will look nothing like the one which won the 2019 title but there's still a huge amount of attacking weapons. But the biggest thing is reestablishing the steely determination and unity within the squad.

"We know our attack will come but defence wins game," Toomey-White said.

"We've got some of the boys from 2019 but it's a new spine so we'll work and get confidence as a team and you can build that through defence."

Player to watch: While there's been plenty of changes at the club there's still a few regulars to keep an eye on. Electric fullback Will Lousick and returning captain-coach Justin Toomey-White are the main ones. But some of the new players will be key and one who's impressed in pre-season is hard-running forward Colt Ure.

"Colt is awesome for our forward pack and he's a great inclusion. His knowledge of football and his power game is awesome," Toomey-White said.

Predicted finish: Fourth. There's so much quality in the competition this season it's almost impossible to pick how things will pan out. But a new-look Cowboys might take some time to find their way. That doesn't mean they can't win the premiership though. It wouldn't be a surprise at all if Toomey-White is holding the silverware again in September.

DUBBO CYMS

Coach: Shawn Townsend

Captain: Jarryn Powyer and Jyie Chapman

2019 finish: Beaten in grand final

Notable additions: Josh Toole (Macquarie Raiders), James Stanley (Wellington), Jack Smith (Tugun Seahawks), Brydon Ramien (Toukley), Craig McLean (Macquarie), Ali Beale (Woy Woy), Charlie Hollman (Forbes).

Notable losses: Jack Kavanagh (Macquarie Raiders), Claude Gordon (Bathurst Panthers), Jack Quinn (Mackay Cutters), Tony Pellow (Wests Devils), Bayden Searle, Isaac Thompson (Windsor Wolves), Noah Ryan (Western Suburbs Magpies), Wade Kavanagh (Wellington), Byron Warren (Central Newcastle).

What the club says: New coach Shawn Townsend is a cool and calm character. He knows his side has had one of the lightest pre-seasons of any club and there's plenty of new faces in the squad as well. But with an experienced core still there he knows the right values will be made very clear to everyone in the green and white.

"We don't want to get beaten on effort, attitude, and energy," Townsend said.

"It's a building block and we can start from there. We'll make a few mistakes but if we've got good energy and plenty of enthusiasm we'll be right."

Player to watch: There's always been the bit of a joke about Alex Bonham and his laidback nature. But Townsend has been hugely impressed by the halfback's work ethic and fitness during pre-season and that points to him potentially reaching another level in 2021.

"You can just see when he goes to accelerate there's a bit of speed and power," Townsend said.

"I didn't know how they trained before but everyone's been telling me Bonno is fit and that was all self-interest. He came back in February and he was fit and he's a real voice around the joint.

"Going off other people before, they said he had always been really quiet but even when we sit down and have a chat he's the one who's leading the chat."

Predicted finish: Third. It's strange heading into a new season with CYMS being something of an unknown. But while some pieces might have changed the structure which has made CYMS one of the best clubs in bush footy is still in place and that's all that matters. Shawn Townsend is hugely respected and some at CYMS consider having him as coach is as big as any player signing. They'll still be thereabouts.

Captain-coach: Jeremy Smith

2019 finish: Third

Notable additions: Ngatokorua Dawson (Coogee Dolphins), Peni Botiki (Hills Bulls), Guy Thompson (Cessnock), Ben Baker (Easts Campbelltown), Jake Hawkins (Singleton United), Braden Carney (Binnaway), Brett Taylor (Dapto), Kiyan Shaw (Central Newcastle).

Notable losses: Darryl Cubby (Narromine), Gerald Mackey (Cobar).

What the club says: A lot of good things. Jeremy Smith has been pleased by the effort and commitment of his team during pre-season despite the usual challenges. Training is always tricky for the Tigers given the amount of shift workers at Nyngan and players from out of town so having everyone together and building those combinations it he biggest thing.

"We've just got to gel," Smith said.

"Obviously we've got a couple of boys that have come in and a couple have left. We've got boys from other towns and communities come to play and the biggest thing is we need to gel.

"It's hard with shift workers and we can't all get to training at the same time at times so it's about turning up for each other and getting around the game plan and getting to know each other and each other's game."

Player to watch: Some new faces will certainly add some interest and Smith is one of the best players in the Western region but it's some Tigers juniors who have caught the eye during pre-season. Sonny Knight and Jak Jeffrey have trained as well as anyone and set for more time in the seniors after impressing in a recent trial against Griffith.

"There's a couple of juniors who I'm pretty excited to see," Smith said.

"They've been there (at the club) all their lives ... they had a game in the trial and I expect them to do good things this year. They're exciting young players."

Predicted finish: Second. It might seem like a big call to some given there's always a bit of mystery around Nyngan but they appear to have all the pieces in place. Smith, the Merritt brothers, Farren Lamb, and Western representative Guy Thompson headlining a strong number of recruits. I haven't even mentioned Justin Carney, who was a joy to watch steamrolling opponents in 2019. If he comes back and fully firing the Tigers could be extremely difficult to topple.

Coach: Brent Wood

Captain: Chad Porter

2019 finish: Fourth

Notable additions: Bailey Hartwig (Forbes), Benny Cokanasiga, Dennis Spathis, Jacob Kennedy (Muswellbrook), Jack Creith, Connor Farrer, Wes Middleton, Waisale Ratudina (Kangaroos Wagga)

Notable losses: Kyle Mawhinney, Aaron Mawhinney, Cooper Neilsen, Jay Slavin (Belconnen United), Harrison MacGregor (Cessnock), Jake Dooley (Souths Newcastle).

What the club says: Pre-season has been tough. Not exactly everyone they hoped to have return has come back after the long COVID-enforced lay-off and injuries have really hurt them. Western representatives Chad Porter and Sam Dwyer are set to miss the first couple of rounds in a real blow and coach Brent Wood knows having his best players fit and firing is vital.

"If we can stay fit at the right time of the year, that will be key," Wood said.

"It's going to be a tight comp so it's about having all our key players fit and firing at the end when we need them."

Player to watch: Bailey Hartwig. A pretty easy one. He's developed into a Western Rams regular in the last couple of years and has made the massive move from Forbes to fierce rivals Parkes.

"He's been massive at training and in the couple of trials we've played he's been really good," Wood said.

Predicted finish: Sixth. I've said it before but this is really tough to pick. And while Parkes is certain to be competitive and push for finals, they might just be missing the depth and individual talent some other clubs have. There doesn't appear to be many players who can really break open a game on their own.

FORBES MAGPIES

Coach: Cameron Greenhalgh

Captain: Nick Greenhalgh

2019 finish: Fifth

Notable additions: Nick Greenhalgh (Shellharbour Sharks), Traie Merritt (Bathurst St Pat's), Ratu Talemaivanikuva (Eastern Raptors), Will Smidth (North West Wolves).

Notable losses: Jaiden Burke (Temora), Brad McMillan (Eugowra), Jack Hartwig (Mounties), Ethan Gaffney (Caloundra).

What the club says: The Magpies have won two titles in the past five years and on both occasions they started the season slowly before flying home like a freight train. But with this season looking so even across the board, coach Cameron Greenhalgh knows he might not be able to rely on a couple of huge wins late in the year to secure a finals spot.

"We've had slow starts so we're looking to improve on that a little," he said.

"That was the main focus and we've had a pretty big pre-season in regards to training so we wanted to be that bit fitter at the start of the year. I don't think you can cruise through games and hopefully get the points.

"I can't fault them at the moment. The chat is good. We're young but confident."

Player to watch: Former NSW Country player Nick Greenhalgh is a key signing and the likes of he, Mitch Andrews, Ben Maguire, and Mitch Burke all have big game experience. But, as is always the case with Forbes, there's a raft of exciting juniors coming through. Tom Toohey and Zeke Hartwig have been given the nod to start in the centres this season and Connor Greenhalgh will be on the wing.

"Tom and Zeke are in the centres and they're quick and have been really good in the 18s the last few years," Cameron Greenhalgh said.

"They get first shot there. The pack has got the experience but those two boys will be really good and Connor on the wing has got some speed."

Predicted finish: Fifth. They'll be there again, don't you worry about that. While coach Cameron Greenhalgh is determined to stop the side's trend of starting a season slowly, they've trailed early in pre-season trial games and that might put them behind the eight ball this year. But they just play such a tough brand of footy no side will ever feel comfortable against them. And if club hero Jake Grace comes back at anytime during the year (which is a possibility) it could take them to the next level.

MACQUARIE RAIDERS

Captain-coach: Alex Ronayne

2019 finish: Sixth

Notable additions: Nick Harvey (Mudgee), Richard Peckham, Clayton Couley, Oliver Gordon, Tyler Bamblett (Gilgandra), Lindsay Thurgate, Jack Kavanagh (CYMS), Pone Tongia (New Zealand Warriors), Tony Clevin (Narromine)

Notable losses: Josh Toole (CYMS), Boche Satrick (Edmonton Storm), Cameron Dennis (Macquarie Scorpions).

What the club says: It's just so positive at Macquarie now. After a few tough years without finals the Raiders have been tipped by many as the side to beat. Captain-coach Alex Ronayne and his players are just bursting to get out there.

"The feeling is good," Ronayne said.

"A lot of these boys have played against each and now we're together and it's good. The bond is there.

"It's about completions rates and wanting to win. You're not going out there to play 40 minutes, you're playing 80 and you want to win."

Player to watch: There's a host of big names at the Raiders now but it's Jack Kavanagh who's been showered in praise by his captain-coach. The prop and former NSW Country representative will be tasked with leading what looks an absolute powerhouse pack this year.

"Big Jack. He's just too good for this comp, that's what I think personally. He's going to be up there for player of the year and I'm backing him for a big season."

Predicted finish: Minor premiers. It just has to be. Yes, it's a whole new side and a rookie captain-coach but this side is too talented not to deliver this season. It's not all going to be smooth sailing and how Ronayne manages such a talented roster and keeps everyone happy will be a real challenge but this side is loaded with individual talent.

Captain-coaches: Chad Jacobson and Ryan Richardson

2019 finish: Seventh

Notable additions: Luke Thompson (Peak Hill), Kurt Fuller, PJ Stanton, Alexander Marr, Blake Richardson (Forster Tuncurry), Darryl Cubby (Nyngan)

Notable losses: Trent Jacobson (Trangie), Tony Clevin (Macquarie), Dylan Hill.

What the club says: While many are tipping the Jets to struggle this season, the mood within the camp is hugely positive. Numbers have increased throughout pre-season and they're focused on climbing the ladder this year.

"We look like we're going to be reasonably competitive," Chad Jacobson said.

"Everything is positive. The boys have worked pretty hard ... the feeling is great and we're looking forward to kicking the season off.

"We're really concentrating on our attitude and getting the boys to turn up for each other. We want them to turn up for their mate and put everything in each week."

Player to watch: There's a number of new signings at the Jets and arguably none are bigger than that of former Group 11 captain Luke Thompson. He's already proving valuable at pre-season but it's Fijian Ratu Roko who's really impressed the new captain-coaches. Roko arrived ahead of the 2019 season and the hard-running back is set to be one of his side's most important players this year.

"He's trained the house down and looks the goods. He's been here a couple of years now and is taking on the leadership at training and leading from the front," Jacobson said.

Predicted finish: Seventh. It may be a difficult season for the Jets. But they're going to be hard to beat at home, you can guarantee that. But, as has been the case in recent times, the lack of depth and no genuine representative-level stars has them a rung below the other six sides in the competition. They won't go through the season winless though, certainly not.

One things the Jets really do have going for them is their Facebook page, which is probably the best in the Group.