Firstly, they wanted to clinch a finals spot and under coach Justin Pendergast they did just that.

Now, ahead of their first hit-out of the year in Saturday's Johnson Cup, first grade manager Wes Clark can't help but feel excited for the year to come.

"I believe it's only going to get better for us because we have quite a young squad," Clark said.

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Young players like Lachlan Wesierski, Jacob Clark and Ilki Boyraz are set to play key roles for Souths in the years to come, Clark said.

"There's only a couple older heads in among the ranks which we need but youth's going to be on our side for a long time so hopefully after about five years we'll be a powerhouse in the competition," he said.

That's the plan and now more pieces are falling into place.

While Pendergast has stepped down from coaching the side, he hasn't been lost to Souths.

"He wants to get back out on the field. He's had a couple years out with injury and it'll be great to see him back on the field commanding the troops again," Clark said.

"We have a new coach in Darrel Mole who we think will get us to that five-year plan.

"He used to be in the club years and years ago. He used to play, he's coached North West teams in primary school division in his past, he knows his stuff. I think he'll be good for the club."

South United will be one of 16 teams - 12 in the men's and four in the women's - to take part in the Johnson Cup on Saturday.

The wet start to the year has resulted in a stunted pre-season for Souths who in turn are "very keen" for game time after having just two intra-club matches so far this year.

"We need time on the paddock, a bit of match fitness," he said.

"We've got a mixed side going into Saturday - we've had a lot of players unavailable doing last weekend getaways and catch-ups with family before they start the season.

"It's all about gelling as a squad getting the two sides [Premier Division and Reserve] interacting and getting to know each other on the field."

There will be a women's competition at the Johnson Cup for the first time since 2017 this weekend which will also see a deadlock broken.

"Each team competing this year - North Companions, Kootingal, Tamworth FC and OVA - all have one title each so it'll be interesting to see who claims their second title," Northern Inland regional coordinator Toby McVey said.

The day will also raise much needed funds for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.

"It's fantastic - the Johnson Cup. When we started that association two years ago it was an amazing event and we're really looking forward to having that support again," WRHS community liaison officer Daniel Gillett said.

"Every dollar counts. Everyone that comes down and buys a sausage, buys a steak or comes and plays for the clubs is making an enormous difference in the community."

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