Players come and go, fortunes change and, in this case with the Central West Rugby Union’s new structure in full swing, competitions change.

But, even after eight seasons, Gorillas skipper Tim Allworth says the Narromine-Parkes rivalry is still very real.

In fact, the competitiveness between the two clubs in the New Holland Agriculture Cup has gone to a whole new level in 2018 as both sides kick plenty of goals on top of the second tier ladder.

“It’s definitely still a fierce rivalry and we saw that in the first round,” Allworth said.

Narromine won 18-10 at Cale Oval in the two sides’ first outing. 

“It was anyone’s game up to full-time. I have no doubt that’s going to be the case again this week,” Allworth continued.

“I think it’ll be a really competitive game of rugby, they pushed us in the first round and no doubt with a home crowd they’ll be tough again.”

That eight-point victory back in round three is one of six Gorillas wins from as many rounds to start the year.

Parkes, on the other hand, sits in second place, the top-of-the-table clash at Northparkes Oval on Saturday set to add another chapter to the rivals’ storied history.

“We’re undefeated, that’s right, but I guess the most pleasing part for us is we’re improving a bit each week,” the Gorillas skipper said.

“There’s added pressure now. Every team we play will step up.”

Allworth said his side didn’t have any expectations heading into the season, and certainly didn’t think an undefeated start to the season was a possibility. 

“It wasn’t talked about. We had success the year before in the GrainCorp Cup but with teams coming down from Blowes we put pressure on ourselves to be competitive but not undefeated,” the experienced blindside breakaway added.

“It’s something to be proud of at this point in the season but it certainly doesn’t mean we’re going to be complacent.”

Allworth praised the early-season form of halves George Hancock and Jono Sharkey, while fullback Dave Potter has complimented both at different stages of the season.

“They’ve been great at getting us organised and getting the forwards into positions where there’s space – which is important in today’s game where width is the key,” Allworth added.

Parkes hosts competition leaders Narromine at Northparkes Oval on Saturday, with second grade kicking off the day at 1.55pm.

First grade begins at 3.15pm.