The Country Championships return will mark Hollie Massey's first footy match in almost a year, with the half-back determined to hit the ground running for the Monaro Colts.
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Massey and the Colts will launch their representative season against the Western Rams at Kippax Oval on Sunday, ending their long wait for the regional tournament's resumption.
The 10-team competition was cancelled last year after two rounds due to the COVID-19 shutdown, which came as a devastating blow for the high-flying Colts side as they led the southern group standings.
The Colts have trained only three times ahead of their opener, but Massey is confident the team can overcome the setback as most players know each other from the local league.
"It's the shortest preseason I've ever had but we're feeling pretty good," Massey said.
"It's a different team from last year so we're still working on our combinations, but most of us know each other from around the traps so it's not too bad."
Massey missed last year's Katrina Fanning Shield due to her duties with the Police Academy, with the Yass Magpies playmaker excited to make her comeback this weekend.
"I'm a bit nervous but I'm just looking forward to getting back out there and having a run," Massey said.
"It's probably going to be hard with match fitness because I'm not sure what to expect this weekend. A lot of girls did get to play [local league], so we'll definitely have an advantage there which is good."
Meanwhile the Canberra Raiders Cup draw has been released, with the first grade and reserves competitions to have nine teams competing across 18 rounds. Round one kicks off on Saturday, April 10.
NSWRL COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS
Round one: Monaro Colts v Western Rams at Kippax Oval on Sunday. Men's: 1pm. Women's: 2.40pm.
Lucie Bertoldo
Lucie Bertoldo is a sports reporter for the Canberra Times.
Lucie Bertoldo is a sports reporter for the Canberra Times.
