After having their streak of four successive Super W titles snapped, the NSW Waratahs are embracing the underdog tag as they hunt another crown.
The six-team tournament gets underway on Friday, with the Waratahs first-up hosting the Western Force.
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Upset in last year's grand final by newcomers Fijiana Drua, the Waratahs are determined to wrest back the title of Super W heavyweights.
"It's definitely created a fire in our bellies," said new NSW captain Piper Duck.
"We've always been the defending (champions) whereas this year we've had to reshape what we're looking for and here we are, chasing and it's actually really exciting.
"It's allowed us to look at what did and didn't work and pick out the golden nuggets and revamp our style."
The Waratahs have had a massive turnover of players, among the newcomers exciting 16-year-old fullback Caitlyn Halse.
Halse is one of nine debutants for the hosts, with Duck excited to see their impact after strong showings in the trials.
“They’ve been working really hard during pre-season and it shows the depth of talent coming through the Waratahs pathways," she believes.
“We have two 16-year-olds coming through…Bronte (Wilson) and Caitlyn (Halse) are outstanding, they show the depth in the squad. There is also Jacinta (Windsor) and her speed is incredible.
“It’s really changing how we’re trying to play and it’s going to add so much youth and excitement to the team.”
Backrower Duck, who was part of the Wallaroos' World Cup campaign last year, said Fijiana were again the team to beat.
And she also thought the Western Force would be the big movers after some heavy recruitment including former Brumbies captain and Wallaroos second-rower Michaela Leonard and Japan Test lock Yuna Sato.
Fijiana winger Rachel Laqeretabua is also playing with the Perth team, who are looking to become a destination club after three winless seasons.
"Mac (Leonard) is an outstanding athlete and all of the people they have signed are outstanding and the fact they're bringing in people to lift their standard is really exciting," 23-year-old Duck said.
"We're expecting a really physical, hard game."
Duck said the international players joining the competition, which is now in its sixth year, would only lift the standard of play.
She hoped the Super W would soon include an international component with games against New Zealand teams.
“Definitely, it’s exciting,” Duck remarked when asked if it’s the most competitive Super W ever.
“We are lifting as a tournament and Rugby nation, sourcing things outside of that is great for the game.
“The level needs to keep improving and the only to do that is really looking outside of ourselves. We went to NZ recently to play the Chiefs and Blues and if we can bring them into the comp, it’s only going to make our Rugby nation and international game better.”
