But a player exodus following their 2018 grand final victory over Port City Breakers will now see Wilbow slotting into a role as one of their more experienced players.

He made the move to fullback last year as the Sharks came from nowhere to win the title after previously playing a utility role off the bench.

"It was a massive change," he said of learning a new role within the team.

"I only started finding my feet towards the end of the year but I feel pretty comfortable there now and love it.

"I've grown up my whole life playing hooker so moving to fullback was something different and a challenge at the start, but I've got to play where I've got to really."

Port Macquarie will field an inexperienced, youthful side when their title defence kicks off at Regional Stadium on Sunday.

Wilbow was confident he wouldn't have to change too much in his own role with the Sharks combinations expected to take time to form.

"It's a pretty young side, but it's good enough to do what we need to do," he said.

"Because a lot of players have gone, it's now about getting everyone to jell again and find out how everyone else plays."

Wilbow was impressive in North Coast Bulldogs' under-23 Country Championship charge which ended at the hands of Monaro last weekend.

The experience he gained from representative level will help his own game.

"There's always room for improvement and I'm always looking how to better myself every game," he said.

"I haven't really set any goals personally; I had the rep stuff, but obviously (the Sharks) would like to go back to back."

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