The Axemen will line up against either the Central Coast, Far North Coast, New England or Western Plains at 2.40pm on Saturday.

Mid North Coast have recently struggled in representative country rugby, but Anderson believes they are on the right path to scaling greater heights.

He knows it will take time, but was looking forward to the challenge.

“I don’t really care who we play because we want to test ourselves against the best,” he said.

“Sure we’d like to be in tier one, but we have a three-year plan and sometimes if you think you’re a minnow team you will deliver minnow performances.

“I don’t subscribe to that.”

Hastings Valley Vikings dominate the team with 10 players selected in the squad of 25.

Adam McCormack, Glen Littler, Andrew West and Dan Willoughby will all run out in the starting 15 on Saturday afternoon.

The coach said combinations were important for the side, but stressed the Axemen would play their way, not the Hastings Valley way.

“Just because something works for the Vikings doesn’t mean it will work at country level,” he said.

“But Glen Littler and Andrew West play in the centres for the Vikings so they get on very well off the field,” Anderson said.

“They will play in the centres for us even though I could have split them up and put someone else in there.”

McCormack returns to scrum half in a position Anderson said was his best position.

“He has high expectations of himself and he likes to win so he’s been disappointed how Mid North Coast have gone over the years,” he said.

“He’ll be our vice-captain so that gives an indication what I think of his leadership capabilities.”

Willoughby’s versatility will be important to Anderson and the Axemen.

“He has improved immensely and can play anywhere in the backline from 11 to 15,” Anderson said.

“He has a terrific attitude and is probably on the way to greater things.”