Forbes Platypi start the season – the club’s 50^th – with a home game on April 1 and meet Orange Emus for a grand final rematch at Endeavour Oval in round two. 

President Tracey Prior says she is looking forward to a great year as the Platypi celebrate half a century with the popular President’s Lunch and other big events.

After finishing runners up in last year’s first grade competition, the Platypi are hoping to have a strong season on field too.

“It’s nice to kick off the season with a home game,” Prior said. 

“We are feeling pretty positive. Most of the guys have indicated that they are ready to come back and play – they had a game of touch footy (Wednesday) night.”

In other key games for the fans, Forbes meets Parkes in round four.

CWRU chief executive officer Peter Veenstra said the 10-team - Narromine isn’t in the 2017 men’s top flight – 18-round draw was infinitely easier to work than last year’s 11-team version, and the winners will be rugby fans from the outset.

“Bathurst (Bulldogs) requested to play CSU in round one … we did that a few years ago and both clubs agreed it was a success, so we went back to that for them,” Veenstra said.

“And Orange (City and Emus) wanted their derby on May 13 ... so we accounted for that as well. From there, everything fell into place.”

Emus take on Rhinos in round one, while City hosts Cowra at Pride Park in the opening week.

City returns to Anne Ashwood Park to right the wrongs of last year’s elimination semi-final in round three and Roos take on Dubbo rivals Rhinos (round six) to launch the year.

The finals begin on August 26 while there’s a general bye on April 29 for the country championships. The June long weekend bye is on June 10.

Veenstra added the growth of the women’s game would add to the 2017 season.

“One of the things I’m looking forward to most is seven clubs have a women’s side headed into next season,” the chief said.