The Flames have struggled in the Regional Bash's five-year history, with the side failing to progress beyond the pool stages.

Hearn, however, is confident his team can break the drought on home turf and secure a place in the finals at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

"We've got a very strong team and everyone is looking forward to a big weekend of cricket at home," Hearn said.

"There's a big prize at the end of the rainbow, playing at the SCG. It's somewhere I haven't played before and would be awesome if we got the chance.

"We have a lot of batting depth, it's going to be tough formulating an order with so many good batsmen.

"But we also have quality bowling. Rhys Voysey has been bowling very well, Xavier McDevitt is taking wickets and we've got Elliot Hooper who made his County debut this year and is a quality left-arm spinner."

The Illawarra campaign will commence with a Friday night clash with South Coast at North Dalton Park, with the Flames to then play Orana and Central West in a Twenty20 double header at Keith Grey Oval on Sunday.

A talented South Coast team will be led by former Sydney Thunder squad member Kerrod White and while the Illawarra side will enter the match as favourites, Hearn recognises his players must be at their best if they are to open their account with a victory.

Read more: Illawarra Hawks aim to take down in-form NBL newcomers

"They'll be a strong team, led by Kerrod White, who's played a high standard of cricket, and they've got some good cricketers among them.

"We won't be worrying about individuals, we'll be worrying about our own game. If we perform to our abilities, we'll be fine."

White has spent the past month recruiting heavily, with the all-rounder using the lure of a trip to the SCG as a carrot to entice the South Coast's top players to turn out for the region.

As such, the Crew boast a talented lineup and while South Coast are typically underdogs when they go up against the Illawarra, White said his team will not be entering Friday's match with that mindset.

Instead, the 26-year-old declared his side is confident they can not only overcome the Flames, but they can also top their pool and progress to January's finals.

"The boys are very keen to start off against Illawarra on Friday," White said. "Playing at North Dalton under lights, a few of the boys haven't done that before, so it's exciting for them.

"We're going in confident, this is the best side that we can put together. A few of the teams might be surprised by what we deliver.

"I wouldn't say we're underdogs. I haven't personally been touched up by Illawarra ever, so I'm not afraid of them. I don't think we're underdogs, we're evenly matched.

"They do have a good side. A lot of their players and our players are in the Greater Illawarra Zone team, so we're evenly matched, but it will be a tough one."

While you're with us the Illawarra Mercury is offering sport readers 20% off an annual digital subscription. Sign up to stay up to date with all the local sports you love for only $3.00 a week. Terms and conditions apply.