But this season it's the student side who will be raging favourites when the clubs meet at University Oval this Saturday for the second time this year.

Even though Narromine troubled CSU in the students' 19-13 opening round win last month the Gorillas have since struggled throughout the remainder of their games this season.

It's been a different story for the Mitchell men in that time, as they've suffered just the one close defeat in an otherwise encouraging start to their 2021 campaign.

The Gorillas have scored just three tries in as many matches since the opening round game at Cale Oval while CSU have 12 over the same period.

Conyers said the Gorillas have been struck hard by player number issues but he doesn't want an ounce of complacency to creep into his ranks because of that.

"One of their players is an apprentice in a class that I'm teaching in Bathurst and I was asking him what's been happening to the team, because they've lost four straight to start the year," he said.

"He said there's a huge amount of the 2019 grand final team who have either retired or are playing in the lower grades. They're struggling a bit for numbers. It's a bit like CSU last year - they're going through a cycle and doing it a bit tough.

"We all go through it and they'll come out the other side of it alright.

"We got off to a great start in the last game against them and got out to a 19-3 lead. They came back a bit in the second half when they brought their more experienced guys on.

"We only had two on the bench that day, and you struggle a bit for numbers on those long away trips, but we should have a really good bench this weekend. We just want to consolidate."

Conyers believes, having had the chance to take a look at all four of their New Holland Agriculture Cup opponents, that his team have been setting a strong benchmark.

"We outscored Parkes on tries and couldn't get any goals so we could have possibly been undefeated, so I feel like we've got everybody's measure at this stage," he said.

"Teams are improving though and they're getting fitter. The second and third rounds are where the competition is decided so we've got to try and keep going ahead with the momentum that we've got."

CSU start the middle third of the season sitting second on the ladder behind the unbeaten Parkes Boars.

CSU will need all the bench depth they can get for their upcoming clash with the Gorillas as they will be without a host of players due to various shoulder injuries.

Prop Lamarn Ma'a will not be taking the field while Harry Magriplis is doubtful of being available, pending physio evaluation.

Lachlan Melville is also doubtful of gaining a start for the same reason.

The women's meeting against the Gorillas gets the day underway from 12.45pm while first grade start their game from 3.15pm.

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