The DPC Roosters will tackle the Temora Dragons in their first hit-out of the season, while the inaugural game for the new joint-venture outfit the Bidgee Hurricanes will see them take on Group 9’s South City Bulls.

Cowra will face Woden Valley in their first game, while the Junee Diesels will be forced to combat the expected vocal home crowd as they take on the Mallee Men.

Group 20 could see the return of one of its more dominant players in recent seasons as the Albury Thunder, which signed Ben Jeffery this off-season, tackle Orange CYMS in the first round.

Wagga Kangaroos will be another of the more-fancied teams, but to win it all the will need to get through Forbes, while Queanbeyan will tackle the Tullibigeal Lakes United Sharks in the final first round clash this Friday.

Prize-money has been maintained at the 2011 level of $12,000 with the winner taking home $8000 and prize-money being paid down to the losing quarter finalists of $250.

Matches of 15 minutes each way will be played on the refurbished Ron Crowe Oval with Bland Shire Council staff and contractors are feverishly working to have the major facilities upgrade completed in time with some works being held over to after the knockout to be completed before the Group 20 season.

Gates will open at 5pm on the Friday and 4pm on the Saturday, final night.