Following an Armidale forfeit in round one, followed by a second round bye, Gunnedah has yet to hit the field in the War Veterans Cup.

However, Gunnedah stalwart Troy Sands said all the wait had done was increase the hunger of the players ahead of this Sunday’s game against Narrabri.

“I think the boys will more keen than ever to get out on the field,” he said.

Prior to the start of the representative season, captain Mitchell Swain – who will miss the match as he heads to Adelaide to watch the second Ashes test – said Gunnedah’s prospects this year were promising following a renewed eagerness.

“There’s a fair few blokes keen for Sunday. Probably too many. We haven’t had that luxury for a while – and there’s some pretty good players too,” Swain said.

Along with Swain, Brad Jenkinson is the other big loss for the match.

Albion captain Andy Mack is expected to skipper the representative side and said there was a number of players capable of coming into the side.

“There’s plenty of young guys in town. Hopefully they'll step up and we have every confidence they can,” Mack said.

While the War Veterans Cup side will be hitting the road to take on Narrabri, Gunnedah’s second XI side will be taking on Pilliga in Gunnedah.

Gunnedah Connolly Cup captain Blake Small believes his spin bowlers will play a huge role in this weekend’s clash.

Known to toss the ball up himself, Small is partial to a bit of spin bowling and won’t be afraid to bring his trio of turners on early.

Rain is expected over the coming days which will assist the spinners – such as teen leggie Will Maggs – if the match goes ahead.

“It’ll be good to see how Will Maggs goes. He’s been getting a fair few wickets,” Small said.

“I’ll probably bring him on a lot earlier. I’m a captain that doesn’t mind bringing the spin bowlers on early.”

Completing the spin attack will be Kaleb McIlveen and Vinnie Winsor.

”They’ll be bowled early. Even without the rain they'll be bowled early,” Small said.

Small said he was also keen to see how quick James McGowan goes in the youthful side.

CONNOLLY CUP SIDE (as of Thursday)

Blake Small

Vinnie Winsor

Kaleb McIlveen

Trent Winsor

Hayden Baker*

Oscar King

Jake Vigor

James McGowan

Will Maggs

Issac Harris*

Jonathan Crowe

WAR VETERANS CUP (as of Thursday)

Andy Mack

Cameron Milne

Adam McGuirk

Eddie McGuirk

Nick Willoughby

Isaac Harris*

Sam Doubleday

James Mack

Nathan Millar

Hayden Baker*

Luke Ryan

Troy Sands

*players to play in either of the sides depending on player availability.