And while Dogs coach Peter Lefley admits the club has been through a lot during that period, he knows his troops only focus at Shoalhaven's Rugby Park will be walking away with two points.

"All teams say a strong start to their season is super important but it's much more vital to our club," Lefley said.

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"As a group, we've got a plan of where we want to be after the first five rounds and getting a win on Sunday is a big part of that.

"Our town is abuzz to be back in the top grade and a win against Nowra-Bomaderry would only heighten that - not to mention give a confidence boost to our young squad."

While the game is slated as the southern Shoalhaven derby, Lefley hasn't bought too much into it.

"Sure, there is a bit of history between the two clubs, with numerous guys growing up playing with and against one another - not to mention a grand final in reserve grade last season," Lefley, who coached the Dogs under 18s to two straight grand finals in 2017 and 2018, said.

"But in our eyes, our main concern is winning the game of footy.

"It's going to be a big step up for a couple of boys, including playing 80 minutes and not 70, but I'm confident they can do it."

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If their trial form is anything to go by, chalking up wins against Cooma Stallions and Appin Dogs, the Dogs could make a winning start to the 2021 campaign from 3pm Sunday.

"I'm really impressed with how quickly the group has come together, which was shown by our performances in our recent trials," Lefley said.

"We're not at the stage where we can rely on one of to blokes that can pull us out of the fire, rather we need everyone to do their job as a collective.

"If we do that, and most importantly defend well, I'm confident we can get a result."

Standing in their way of a fairytale comeback are the Nowra-Bomaderry Jets, who themselves will be desperate for a win after a tumultuous off-season.

"It was a real rocky start throughout pre-season, with a lot of negative talk but we've managed to come together and field both a reserve grade and first grade," said new Jets coach Ben Wellington.

"We don't have a great deal of depth this year but we are a tight bunch of brothers that are prepared to give it a crack."

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Wellington also addressed how crucial it was for his club to have a successful first grade side, as there was talk in the off-season the Jets might not be able to field a side in 2021.

"Having a first grade team in Nowra is critical because the other two options in Berry or Milton are just too far away for a lot of people," he said,

"It's crucial we have a pathway our junior grades to strive towards, with it being a direct line for our top tier under 18s players to be blooded in firsts.

"Without a first grade in the Nowra area, local rugby league would take a massive hit and we would lose our young to other sports and recreational activities."

But with their future secure, Wellington and his troops are firmly focused on taking down their southern rivals Milton on Sunday.

"Every club wants to kick-off the competition with a win, as it gives you belief and purpose," Wellington, who captained/coached the Jets to their maiden first grade premiership in 2014, said.

"With how the competition is shaping up , all teams are strong and can beat each other if you don't turn up.

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"Milton is in a similar boat to us with having to dig deep to field a first and reserve grade, so it's going to be a tough game because they have nothing to lose like us and everything to gain.

"If our forwards win the middle, our backs should bring it home for us, as we have plenty of speed out wide.

"We'll grind for momentum to swing our way, which will give us an opportunity to score points and control the game."

This fixture is one of three games kicking off at 3pm on Sunday, along with Shellharbour and Warila-Lake South at Ron Costello Oval and Kiama and Jamberoo at the Kiama Showground.

The opening round will start with Saturday's season opener between Albion Park-Oak Flats and Stingrays at Centenary Field from 6.30pm.

Premiers Gerringong have the bye in round one, with Berry-Shoalhaven Heads withdrawing from first grade in 2021.