Tamworth over-50s captain Steve Wilson says the side goes into the state championships feeling pretty confident about their chances.
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The three-day carnival gets under way in Orange on Saturday.
After finishing third last year, the Tamworth side is eager to improve their placing.
But they face a tough first-up assignment against a "strong" Central Coast outfit.
The Coastal side are ranked fifth, one spot behind Tamworth, and boast a couple of Sydney grade players, Wilson said.
It is a must-win if Tamworth hope to play in the final.
"We play three games. We play Saturday, Sunday and Monday and it's basically a knockout competition from day one," Wilson said.
Tamworth do go in with some good form behind them.
"We're pretty much undefeated this year," Wilson said.
"The team's done well in all of the regional games this year."
The competition at Orange will be a step up, he said, but they have got a good squad.
It is similar to last year's with a couple of additions, who will bolster the sides bowling and batting depth.
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Former rep players Warren Faulkner and David Marshall will both be making their state championships debut, at veterans level anyway.
Faulkner played a lot of first grade cricket in Tamworth during his younger days, Wilson said, and has scored quite a few runs for them this season.
Ben Crowe has also been batting well, he said.
NSW reps Phil Constable and Richard Rowlings will meanwhile spearhead the bowling.
Rowlings' younger brother Justin will also pad up for the side.
"He's an aggressive batsmen just like his brother," Wilson said.
Tamworth over-50s: Steve Wilson (c), Richard Rowlings, Steve Allen, Wally Allen, Warren Faulkner, Dean Petty, Craig Salter, Steve Newman, Justin Rowlings, David Marshall, Phil Constable, Ben Crowe.
