Wakatipu's squad already reads like champions on paper, with an experienced forward pack, a former All Black and a back line full of speed.
Although the side has lost key players Ben Sexton and Marcus Balchin to other clubs, and in its last preseason match Mark Te Whaiti succumbed to a season-ending knee injury, they have made some huge gains through Toi Roberts returning from Australia and Dan Osefo's surprise leap over the bridge after being an Arrowtown stalwart for years.
Head coach Damian Petre said Osefo would be an asset both on the field and in leading the forward pack.
Recruitment for the side has also been a matter of grabbing potential players ''straight off the Kiwi express'' tourist buses and this year the side has an Irish, English, French and Argentinian influence.
''It has always been a huge difficulty for Wakatipu retaining players, as it is a transient town and players do come and go. We are lucky in that respect and it makes life a bit easier.''
Petre said the biggest challenge for Wakatipu was managing the weight of being favourite, as every other side would be out to beat it.
''The expectation is for us to repeat what we did last year, and we have to start from scratch. It is getting these guys in and introducing what we are about and that typically takes a bit of time.''
A strength in the side this year is the depth of the forward pack, but as with any team in the small competition, injuries could change that.
While the new recruits will be of huge help, the experience of those who have stayed in the side, such as Henry Youngman, Ben MacDonald and last year's stand-out back, Danny King, is not to be underestimated.
If other teams are not already intimidated by a side that knows how to win, there is a certain Justin Marshall likely to ''slot in the side'' at times during the season, subject to his Sky rugby commentating commitments.
''He's indicated he is best used on the wing - says he has got a bit slower - but I think we might slot him in at halfback.''
Although, on paper, Arrowtown looks a deflated side compared with 2012, Petre said it was always going to be the biggest game of the year, ''simply for the fact they are our closest neighbour and they are always going to be strong.''
Clyde, Maniototo and Cromwell were three other tough teams in an unpredictable season to come.
The new season is a leap into the unknown for Arrowtown coach Hayden Finch, whose side has lost a massive 16 players from last year, retaining only four forwards and four backs.
''It is going to be an unknown. They're a good bunch; they're a young side and we will know after Saturday where we are going.''
Traditionally a well organised club, Arrowtown had struggled to fill in the team card before pre-season games this year and had to pull out of its last before Easter because it could not field a team.
However, Finch said it had managed to pull in a few late recruits, which has left it in good heart for kick-off this Saturday against Alexandra.
He admits that filling the gaps left by Daniel Dodds, former captain Aidan Winter and Nick Pullar is almost impossible. However, the coach is excited about his second year at the helm.
The average age of the squad is about 23 and the expectation is to build a side that will continue to improve and stick around for years to come.
''It is more exciting trying to build that Arrowtown culture up again. To say this is a restructuring year for us isn't right; they are all talented players.''
As with Wakatipu, the Arrowtown community does mean that when push comes to shove, there are always past players who will pull on a jersey if need be. Manager Sonny Pointon will don a pair of rugby boots most Saturdays.
However, Finch's shoulder injury has ruled out any cheeky return to the field.
''I'm a bit old now. It is absolutely not possible.''
Key elements for his side will be new captain and No 8 Ben Chisholm, forwards Eddie Seffo, and John Morrison. .
''We are a very small team, but hopefully we are fit. Our strength is our fitness.''
''Wakatipu are definitely the strong favourites again this year. Maniototo are always tough and Cromwell in their centenary year are going to be determined.''
''It's a long season.''
''We have high expectations of ourselves. You don't play rugby not to win. The key is to make it to the top four because anything can happen in semifinals.''
Wakatipu 2013 squad
Apana Taua (returning player), Inoke Vie, Ben Glenhill, Padraig Crowley (new player, Ireland), Chris Campbell (new, England), Russell Longthorn, Jamie Jensen, Phil Swall (new, England), Ben MacDonald, Jake Lawrence, Shaun McCone (new, Dunedin), Arcambail Loic (new, France), Dan Iosefo (returning), John Noonan (new, Ireland), John Adair, Raf Tahura, Toi Roberts (returning) , Henry Youngman, James Cavanagh (new, Australia), Carlo Agerholm, Justin Marshall (new, Sky commentary box), Regan Pearce, Tai Raumati (new, Invercargill), Danny King, Francisco Castro (new, Argentina), Tony Farley, Rob Lund, Rhys Collins (returning, Dunedin), Stuart Vincent (new, England), Mark Te Whaiti (injured).
Departed players
Brad Robertson, Mark As Latu, Brad Patterosn, Richard Stephens, Nathan Reid, Dre Brougton, Sol Frew, Feleki Uhrle, Ben Sexton and Marcus Balchin.
Arrowtown 2013 squad
Shane McGuiness (Ireland), George Harrison, Henry Bensmann, Sam Merthens, Joe Rastick, Brogan Hyde (Invercargill), Nick Gloag, Hayden Youngman, John Morrison, Malcolm Sutherland, Jonathan Ryan, Richard Lee, Richard Andrews, Adam Hubber, Troy Walmhurst, Henry Watson, Ben Chisholm, Eddie Seffo, Kelly Henderson, Cam Beal, Nick Lynch, Wesley Tufaga, Shane Clearwater, Izzy Nayaloga, Tyne Schofield, Cathal Finneran (Ireland), Daniel Eyles, Kane Dodds, Ian Banks.
Coach: Hayden Finch
Assistant: Simon Spark
Departed players
Aidan Winter (Germany), Daniel Dodds (Perth), Nathan Pullar (retired), Rhys Chamberlin (Cromwell), Hori Elers, Dan Iosefo (wakatipu), Jack Howden, Josh Brazier, Dylan Fletcher, Oki Coles, Matt Rapaoma, Doug Kohiti, Matt James, Lee Murray (Invercargill), Ben Whitworth, Edward Spence.
