And his side is shaping up nicely at the starting blocks.
The days of the old double round have been consigned to pre-Covid history.
The competition has been reduced to one full round. Following pool play, the top six teams will advance to the playoffs, so the whole season is completed in just three months.
No-one can afford a slow start or a lean patch.
The Eels should be well-placed to avoid both those pitfalls.
They had a hit-out against Alhambra-Union and a more serious preseason match against Green Island last weekend, which resulted in a comfortable win.
Taieri has a strong core of players returning, albeit with a few notable absences.
The game plan is simple and effective. And the defending champions have won five titles since 2011.
"We won’t shy too far away from what has worked for the team in the past," Macdonald said.
What has worked in the past has been some aggressive and organised defence and the ability to convert opportunities.
Ace goal kicker Cameron Millar shapes as a key cog in the line-up.
Josh Casey is back after a two-year stint overseas and will mostly play fullback, where he can use his pace to create opportunities on counterattack. But he will also slot in at first five when needed.
Rugged loose forward Nick Henderson has a back injury and might not feature at all this season.
But the likes of Leroy Ferguson and Sam Fischli will pick up any slack.
Lock Brodie Hume shapes as another key player in the pack.
Halfback Bob Martin has a quality game and the likes of Kori Rupene (midfield) and Mitchell Scott (outside back) are experienced campaigners.
The Eels open their season with a home game against Kaikorai at Peter Johnstone Park tomorrow.
"There is a good feeling there. By and large it is a reasonably settled group and we’re pretty excited about the guys that have come into the group this year as well.
"Although it was only preseason, it was good to get a good result leading into your first week.
"There is still plenty of things for us to be working on, but that will provide some confidence."
Southern hosts University at Bathgate Park. The Vic Cavanagh Memorial is on the line in that match.
Green Island is at home to Harbour, and Dunedin will make the trip up the hill to Montecillo to play Zingari-Richmond.
