First-year coach Andrew Hinchcliffe is keen to see what his side can do when a blend of new faces and championship-winning footballers take on Macarthur.

Riverina won the title two years ago but after the disruptions of 2020, Hinchcliffe said it took some time to determine their playing squad.

"I am really pleased. It was pretty hard pulling the squad together, just considering the year that was last year," Hinchcliffe said.

"When I look at it, it really feels like a well balanced team. I think we've got some youth and new players that will no doubt bring a lot of enthusiasm, and there's certainly an element of experience.

"There's still a strong contingent of that team that won the Country Championships a couple of years ago so I'm sure that holds us in pretty good stead."

Riverina will look to the experienced Shannon Pike to lead the way, particularly in their game management, as a well-established member of the Riverina side.

In the forwards, Hinchcliffe says Lele Katoa can lay a platform and Emma Hickey and Luci Lugsdin will have big roles.

Part of the plan is to look after Wagga's Tarnayar Hinch, considered a player to watch from halfback.

"Tarnayar's got really, really good instincts," Hinchcliffe said.

"She hasn't got a huge frame, so we just need to make sure we can protect her and create opportunities where we can create some space for her. I'm sure she'll help us attack on the back of that."

Out wide, Riverina hope to have plenty of spark, in the form of Tommi Booth (the daughter of former Group Nine and Group 20 flyer Robbie) and JenJen Ravu who gets an opportunity alongside sister Ua.

"It's exciting having the two sisters playing together. JenJen is 18, she's super enthusiastic and I'm looking forward to her contributing," Hinchcliffe said.

"Tommi, I think she's going to bring a bit of an X-factor to our team. She is pretty fast so we'll be looking to include her and create opportunities."

Hay's Jess Carter will also have an important role coming off the bench as a utility, with the expectation of being able to cover multiple spots.

Riverina go in expecting Macarthur to field a strong side but aren't 100 percent sure what to expect from their rivals.

Their second game will be against Shellharbour on Sunday week.

Hinchcliffe, who was recently elected Group Nine president, believes a local women's tackle comp will be on the cards before too long.

He's enjoying the coaching role and getting a first-hand look at development.

"I really enjoy it. The girls in the squad over the period that I've had them have been super," he said.

"The environment's been great, we had a really big squad and included lots of players. It was great to help others develop, even if they may not get an opportunity in the final teams that will play. And the senior girls have been great in coach and bringing along the next generation."

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