Blayney retained several stars in Terawhiti Cooper, Josh Rainbow, Kurt Beahan and Terry Brown, and pulled off two massive coups in luring Cowra star Will Ingram and Wellington gun Lewis Stanley to King George Oval in 2015.

“They’re all playing too, we should have a full list this weekend,” Bears captain-coach Dane Howarth said.

“We’re not so much going out to send a message, but we’re certainly there for business.”

Howarth said he is certain his side can win the prestigious knockout competition, which is no mean feat considering the Bears face one of the toughest draws in the competition.

Blayney takes on 2014 runners-up, and last year’s Group 10 premier league champions, in Bathurst St Pat’s in its opening clash tomorrow night. From there, should the Bears win, they will have to play the winner of Mudgee Dragons and Orange CYMS in the semi-final.

“I see it as a positive that we play St Pat’s, we may as well knock off the best side first up,” Howarth said.

“They’re very quick and disciplined around the ruck, they’ve got no rubbish around there. They’re well drilled, and I think they have basically the same roster as last year so they will be tough.

“I think we’ll look to slow them up at the ruck a little bit, stay consistent and make sure we don’t give away too many penalties. That’s where games are won and lost in knockout competitions, penalties.

“From there, each side has its pros and cons, so if we do beat St Pat’s we’ll just need to stay consistent no matter who we play.”

Blayney takes on St Pat’s from 8.10pm tomorrow night, while the Bears reserve graders kick off their campaign against Orange CYMS at 6.05pm, also tomorrow night.

Both grade’s round games will be hosted tomorrow night, followed by the finals on Saturday, all at Bathurst’s Carrington Park.