One of Walcha's best is set to pull on the red and white again as the Rams look to go one better in 2019.
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Last year's runners-up are again shaping up as strong title contenders with the nucleus of the side that has reached successive grand finals suiting up again, and a few notable additions.
"Our season is shaping up well. It's a matter of putting it on the paddock," Rams co-coach Barry Hoy said.
In the immediate aftermath of their second straight grand final loss, Hoy indicated that it might be him but after four or five weeks to think about things he changed his mind.
He wanted to build on what they have achieved over the last two seasons.
Apart from centre Pat Keen, who has moved to Sydney to ply his trade, they are pretty much intact from the side that was defeated by Pirates 24-8.
The Country rep will be a big loss, a player of his calibre is always going to be.
"He'll be hard to cover," Hoy said.
Tom Bucknell is set to fill his shoes.
The Inverell native is one of a few new faces at the club and a handy pick-up. After playing a starring role in Robb College's premiership triumph, he was duly named player of the New England finals series.
In a blast from the past Lachlan Brown is also strapping on the boots again.
The man they call Board hasn't played for the Rams for since 2012.
He has spent the last few seasons on the sidelines after playing a couple of seasons of league for the Walcha Roos.
"He was keen to have a run," Hoy said.
Brown's return will be much-anticipated by the Rams' faithful.
The number eight was one of the Rams' most influential players when he last wore the red and white and regarded as one of the best players running around in not only the zone but country rugby.
The front row stocks have also bolstered by the addition of Henry Leslie and Richard Hunt.
"A couple of extra props this year will make a big difference to us," Hoy said.
He conceded they are probably a bit short for outside backs, which has in the last few years been the Rams' strength, but "barring injury" they should be right.
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They open their campaign against Narrabri on Saturday, which Hoy acknowledged won't be an easy assignment, "especially out there".
"They were pretty solid last year," he said.
"They've got a good young side coming through and have a years more experience."
He highlighted consistency as a key for his side this season and stressed the importance of starting well.
"You've got to get wins up early so you're not chasing wins at the end," Hoy said.
It's a lesson the Rams have learnt before.
