That title defence for Wade Forrester and his side, made primarily out of Group Seven Rugby League players, kicks off this Sunday at Ron Costello Oval - as part of the club's quadruple-header against the Riverina Bulls (after last weekend's matches with North Coast were washed out).

"Since our very first training session, I've talked to the boys about the opportunity they have to win a championship, not only for themselves but the South Coast region," Forrester said.

"With Illawarra-based players unable to be selected, it has given these men a chance to put Group Seven on the map, while also doing their clubs and families proud."

This year also marks the first time since 2016 that the competition is open age and not an under 23s tournament.

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"Due to COVID-19, a lot of competitions have changed their age groups in 2021 but I do believe there is an avenue for both an under 23s and open age men's competition in the future," Forrester said.

"The under 23s is a great pathway for young players to get a second chance, especially forwards who's bodies aren't quite are ready to withstand the rigours of first grade footy at a young age and can be lost to the system.

"While the opens gives some of the more experienced players a chance to compete at a higher level and challenge themselves against players from all across the state."

Albion Park-Oak Flats' Same Clune will start at fullback for the Dragons on Sunday, with Warilla-Lake South's Justin Jones, Albion Park's Donte Efaraimo, Shellharbour's Ryan James and Stingrays' Chance Perham rounding out the backline.

Dangerous Gorillas duo Blair Grant and Cam Vazzoler are the halves, while Gerringong's Nathan Ford is the hooker and captain.

The rest of the starting forward pack contains Lions trio Judd Collyer, Corey Mulhall and Dylan Farrell and Stingrays pair Kieran Rankmore and Juvi Samui.

Forrester's five-man bench features Park's Paul Roberts, Kiama's Tyler Clark, Warilla's Duke Grant, Shellharbour's Brad Chapman and Stingrays' Jake Kamire.

"All our training session have been really positive, so it's all about putting our best foot forwards come Sunday," Forrester said.

"This is the first time a lot of these guys have played together or at this level, which is exciting, as we have a mixture of youth and experience.

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"Our halves are exceptional and our skipper Nathan Ford will lead from the front because he knows the level you need to play at to be successful at this level.

"We have strength all across the park and if we play up to our abilities, I know we can make a deep run in this competition.

"It's now up to us to go out and earn it."

This clash (starting at 1pm) will be third of the four game slate against the Bulls on Sunday, starting with the Andrew Johns Cup (under 16s) at 10am before the Laurie Daley Cup (under 18s) at 11.20am and open women's country championships at 2.40pm.

"With our clash being washed out, I watched Riverina defeat Macarthur Wests Tigers, where they showed just how strong and physical their side is," Forrester said.

"They have big, mobile forwards and dangerous backs but if we do the simple things right, I'm confident we can chalk up the win."