While fitness is usually a prerequisite for any State Cup, it will be even more important when the 2020 event taps off on December 4.

It will look different this year with all teams to operate under the Arrive Play Leave protocol meaning they could play up to three games successively.

"The boys 20s played the country championships in that format and preferred it even though they lost the final 4-3 to Peninsula," Vincent said.

"You use up a lot of energy waiting around normally because you'll play three games in eight or nine hours, but this year you won't."

The challenge will be physical as much as it will be mental.

"The tough side is you've got to be prepared for it, have the kays in the legs and be fit overall," Vincent said.

"We've changed up our training to focus on fitness where we have exercises involved in getting back the seven metres and building stamina.

"It puts a lot of importance on keeping possession because you don't want to be dropping the ball and defending repeat sets.

"It will be even more apparent the team that controls the ball will win this year because you're playing consecutive games."

Port Macquarie will have seven teams representing - the men's and women's 20s, women's open B, mixed masters, men's 40s, women's 45s and senior mixed.

The senior mixed side will look to defend their title although they will have their work cut out having lost numerous players from their 2019 squad.

"It's hard to win a State Cup but it's even harder to repeat it," Vincent said.

"That's the beauty of the State Cup; you don't really know the strength of the opposition until you get there.

"It changes from year to year which is the unknown and that makes it more exciting to play because you've got to be on your guard."

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