WESTERN Division coach Mick Sullivan is banking on some of the stars of the side from years gone by to inspire his current line-up that takes to the field at Carrington Park on Saturday.

The Rams square off with the Greater Northern Tigers in the first match of their Tier 2 Country Championships campaign, which will coincide with a Western Division Old Boys day.

Sullivan has a massive side at his disposal which includes St Pat's pair Benjamin John at hooker and Garry Reilly at five-eighth, and he is hoping some last-minute advice from the past champions will go a long way.

"I'll be trying to get a few of the greats from years gone by to come in and just have a few words before the game," he said.

"I really want the guys to focus on the team-mate aspect of their footy and I'd love for some of the old boys to share what it meant for them putting on that jumper and playing alongside their mates.

"We've not had a great couple of years at this level, so it would be fantastic for our guys to produce this weekend on what is a pretty special day for the Rams. Hopefully, the home ground advantage plays a part, too."

While there is no lack of strike power in the Rams' backline, including the likes of Dubbo CYMS three-quarter trio John Grey, Kieran Cubby-Shipp and Jyie Chapman, the thing that jumps out of the program is their sheer size.

Former Bathurst Panther and St Pat's player Simon Osborne joins Parkes Spaceman and former Sydney Roosters under 20s giant Brendan Tago in the front-row.

Wellington's Justin Toomey-White will start in the second-row as a late change, instead of Demetrius Ainnu, next to Forbes Magpie Ben Maguire, while Mudgee captain-coach Jack Afamasaga lines up at lock.

Afamasaga is as big and damaging as most props, and off-loads better than anyone in Group 10.

Even at fullback, another ex-Panther and current Orange CYMS' player Ben McAlpine is as big as plenty of second-rowers.

If John plays to his best, he could have a picnic off the back of some damaging runs and quick play-the-balls.

Around utility Tim Mortimer, the bench features Forbes' Jake Grace and Mudgee's Ainnu, who add both size and mobility, while Blayney wrecking ball Terawhiti Cooper is also in line to add plenty of venom off the pine.

"We wanted to go with a lot of size, we didn't really make a secret of that, and on the bench we've got three big guys plus 'Morts' who has been outstanding for Orange CYMS this season," Sullivan said.

"I want all the players to show a real willingness to do the hard work. I think this squad can go deep into this competition and that's what it was picked on, not just with an eye to winning this one game.

"I don't know a lot about the opposition, I should know more than I do. Demetrius has played up that way a little bit and he says that they are a grinding sort of a side, so we can expect a tough, physical match."

Naturally, like any big game, much will depend on the halves, and Sullivan, a player himself who is the epitome of structure, is not putting too many restraints on Reilly and fellow playmaker Colby Pellow.

"I don't want to restrict a guy like Garry too much, he's a very natural and instinctive player and with all the guys in that forward pack who can off-load, I think he can be a guy that will really take advantage of it," the coach explained.

"Colby can play that way too.

"I've really enjoyed doing this job so far, they're all quality guys and it has made for a pretty relaxed atmosphere. Now I've just got to have faith in the ability of these guys to all go out there and get the job done."

Kick-off is from 2pm this afternoon, while Riverina will play Northern Rivers in the first match at 11am, with an under 15s Group 10 match between Panthers and Orange Bloomfield to follow at 12.45pm.

WESTERN DIVISION: 1 Ben McAlpine (Orange CYMS), 2 Kieran Cubby-Shipp (Dubbo CYMS), 3 Jyie Chapman (Dubbo CYMS), 4 Corin Smith (Mudgee Dragons), 5 John Grey (Dubbo CYMS), 6 Gary Reilly (Bathurst St Pat's) 7 Colby Pellow (Dubbo CYMS), 8 Simon Osborne (Orange CYMS) 9 Benjamin John (Bathurst St Pat's) 10 Brandon Tago (Parkes Spacemen), 11 Demitrius Ainnu (Mudgee Dragons), 12 Ben Maguire (Forbes Magpies), 13 Jack Afamasaga (Mudgee Dragons), 14 Jake Grace (Forbes Magpies), 15 Justin Toomey-White (Wellington Cowboys) 16 Tim Mortimer (Orange CYMS), 17 Terawhiti Cooper (Blayney Bears). COACH - Michael Sullivan