Dubbo were winless after four rounds and despite some encouraging performances, there were questions being raised about whether they had suffered more than anyone under the competition's new structure.

The Demons have answered that question emphatically.

"I don't think the standard of football is as good as last year when we were playing Orange, but unquestionably the competition itself has improved and if Dubbo can maintain their level of improvement then you can definitely say this change has been a success," Outlaws co-coach Brett Archer said.

"It is good to see them back as a competitive force.

“If they continue to build, and Cowra can do likewise, then that's a big tick.

"When we went up there earlier this year and won [by 28 points] they put a good side on the park.

“They've obviously retained the good players they did have last year, added to that, and they've gotten better as they've played more football together."

The Demons withstood a big last quarter fightback from the Bathurst Bushrangers Rebels to win 15-14-104 to 14-7-91 last Saturday at Dubbo as they continued to enhance their credentials.

Dubbo kept the Rebels goal-less in the first quarter while kicking 4-6 themselves.

The Outlaws haven't exactly struggled of late either, winning their last four games to sit in first position courtesy of their superior percentage to Cowra.

Archer is happy with what he's seen in some difficult conditions recently and is proud of the way his side has coped with a tough couple of weeks.

"We're playing good footy, and we're at home - it is going to be interesting to see whether they can bring a full-strength team to a major away game," he said.

"Our leaders have really stood up in the last few games.

“It has sometimes taken us a while in matches to adapt to wet-weather football, but we've managed to do the job.

"Training has been very restricted because George Park has been shut, but we've had a couple of pool sessions and weight sessions as well, and the turn-out for those nights has been very good.

“Everyone is still keen and that's a good sign."

The Outlaws will host Dubbo from 12.15pm on Saturday.