A host of promising players, a mid-season battle with the South Otago sides and the White Horse Cup should produce an exciting Central Otago club season.
• Alexandra
Did not win a match last season but new coach Ian Fraser is optimistic about 2011. Key players have returned, including fullback Cameron Smith and the O'Neill brothers, halfback Shaun and flanker Kevin, and the core of last year's side is back.
Key players: Look for Alexandra stalwart Shane Harrex to play a big role alongside Ian Cooney in the forwards.
• Arrowtown
The White Horse Cup holder should again difficult to knock over, especially on its home ground. However, with dwindling player numbers and some key losses, it could be a tricky winter. Injuries have derailed veteran fullback Hayden Finch and midfielder Nathan Jolly, while first five Reece Winter has gone overseas.
Key players: Veteran captain Aidan Winter and loose forward partners Dan Dodds and Dan Iosefo will be strong. Look also for new first five-eighth Dan Eyles to stamp his mark, after playing most of his rugby in the outside backs.
• Clyde-Earnscleugh
The perennial underdog surprised many when it won its first three matches last year. The side will again be led by inspirational captain Corey Crosbie, while first five Wayne McIntosh has come out of retirement.
Key players: No 8 Crosbie, the Otago Country player of the year, will provide go-forward ball alongside workhorse loosie Mike Wing. Veteran halfback Jai Baxter and midfielder Reino Siebritz should provide some stability and leadership.
• Cromwell
Briefly held the White Horse Cup last year and reached the Central semifinals. There have been good numbers at training and a good core of players back from last season. There is change in the loose forwards, where Brad Nicholson (injured) and Quentin Hayes (retired) are replaced by Ant Dickey (back from injury) and Lee Murray (Manawatu).
Key players: Angus Gibbens leads by example in the forward pack along with No 8 Blake McPhee. New halfback Karn Parata should provide some spark around the ruck.
• Maniototo
The defending champion welcomes back the majority of its side and will be a strong contender for another title. However, there have been some key personnel losses, and reports of low numbers to training. Midfielder Mitchell Lake (overseas), winger Willie Clouston (overseas), prop Logan Dowling (injured) and utility Warren Dobson (injured) are all missing.
Key players: In the tough Maniototo pack, Tim O'Neill will again play a big role. With Thomas Huddleston controlling things at either first five-eighth or fullback, Maniototo will be a tough nut to crack.
• Matakanui Combined
The Omakau-based side struggled for numbers and consistency last season. A major loss this year is Otago Country midfielder Scott Milne, making things tougher for an inexperienced backline.
Key players: Fullback Willie Lake should make an immediate impact when he returns from injury. The Matakanui forward pack will also be strong.
• Upper Clutha
With fewer numbers and a smallish forward pack, Upper Clutha will look to its fitness and aggressiveness at the breakdown to win matches. After a superb 2009 season, last year did not live up to pre-season predictions and the club fell off the pace. This year, new coach Hamish Crosbie has high expectations for his side, especially with the return of fullback-winger Ben Purvis and first five Byron Clarke.
Key players: Tane Tawera will again be a dynamic force from the back of the scrum, while Purvis and Willie Scurr will provide some spark out wide.
• Wakatipu
Simple, error-free rugby is what coach Kelvin Middleton has targeted as the key to success for the 2010 semifinalist. His side will again be tough on its home ground but travelling time, thanks to the new format, might make away games that much harder for the Queenstown-based side. Fullback Tony Farley and winger Mark Te Whaiti are newcomers from the North Island.
Key players: No 8 Ben Blakely and flanker Toi Roberts will regularly break the advantage line. Both were Otago Country representatives last season.
