The premier side had a season to forget last year, finishing last in the competition and suffering some thumping losses, including conceding more than 100 points to eventual champion Taieri.
But the club has not sat on its hands in the off-season. Appointing new coaches in Andrew ''Fridge'' Walsh and Buxton Popoali'i, the team has been working hard and is ready for the first match of the season against Zingari-Richmond this Saturday.
Walsh, who played in the front row for Green Island for many seasons, said he has been very impressed with the attitude of the players in the pre-season.
''We've had a very good pre-season. The guys have been working really hard. We asked them to be sponges, to soak up as much information as they can and they have done that,'' he said.
''We've set up some good structures and there is a good team morale among the guys.''
Walsh said the club would be fielding a premier colts side which was a big boost for the club.
''We know those guys can be a real help for us. When you have guys competing for the same jersey then that should bring out the best in the players. We are looking at naming a squad of 30 and keeping everyone honest at training.
''A lot of those guys may end up going down and playing prem two rugby and that will be good for the club.''
Walsh said last year's bottom placing was not a big motivation and it was about looking forward.
''We know what happened last year but there is not a lot of talk about it, to be honest. This is about rebuilding and we know it is going to take about three or four years. It's not going to happen in one year.''
The side welcomes back Otago lock Jackson Hemopo, who returns from a one-season stint at Southern.
He has been named captain and there is also the experience of the likes of Jamie Waller and James Spooner to call on.
The main departures are loose forward Luke Johnston, who has moved to Hamilton for work, while Tala Fagasoaia has moved to Harbour.
Walsh said Popoali'i was enjoying his new role and the two were getting on well.
The club was in good heart, with an academy for younger players and good numbers in other teams.
