While feeling cautiously optimistic about his team's chances, Kangaroos coach Aaron Gorrell believes that the fast-paced nature of the competition will level out the playing field, citing intensity and luck as key areas to success.

"It's hard because they're twenty minute halves and the first try-scorer wins if its a draw," he said.

"So it's a bit of a lottery, and you obviously have to come out of the box and play a bit of footy. You can't afford to grind out the game, you have got to throw the ball around and hopefully you get a bit of luck on the way."

The pre-season challenge has also allowed Gorrell the ability to experiment with his line-up and to assess the players rising up through the younger ranks, with the coach taking about three under 18s along as players for the squad.

"We have a lot of kids who have a chance to show us what they're capable of, they have shown a lot of ability last year and some commitment at the start of this year so it's good to reward them with a start," Gorrell said.

"And it's a good opportunity for the blokes to put their foot forward to get picked. We're a work in progress, and we have a lot of new faces and a lot of kids with potential coming through. So it's just for me to work out what our best talent is and it's going to take a little while, but that's what this time of the year is all about."

WEST WYALONG KNOCKOUT DRAW

Friday February 27

7.10pm - Leeton Greenies v Temora Dragons

10.30pm - Woden Valley Rams v Junee Diesels

8.30pm - West Wyalong Mallee Men v Wagga Brothers

7.50pm - Tullibigeal Lake Cargelligo United Sharks v Wagga Kangaroos

6.30pm - Forbes Magpies v Young Cherrypickers

9.10pm - Queanbeyan Kangaroos v Southcity Bulls

9.50pm - Orange CYMS v Albury Thunder

Bye - Gundagai