Only one goal separated the two sides at the end of last season, denying the Wolves back-to-back NSW National Premier League titles.

However, Wilkshire says that won't be a factor for his Wolves ahead of round one.

"It doesn't matter who we play, we will focus on ourselves,'' he said. The boys have had a long, tough pre-season and are itching to get the season under way.

"I think every game is important. Whatever is in front of us, we want to win.

"Being the start of the season, you start as you mean to go on, and you want to build that winning mentality and habit and obviously confidence going forward into the season."

Wilkshire and his men look forward to a full NPL campaign in 2021. The impact of COVID saw last season significantly shortened, with the action kicking off in July. Despite this setback, the Wolves notched up eight wins to finish in second place before bowing out in the first week of finals after losing 3-1 to Sydney United 58.

However, 2021 is shaping up as a more normal year for the Wolves. And with an eye on top spot this year, they are happy to be playing football in February.

"You can't beat competitive football. You can have all of the friendlies in the world but it doesn't quite emulate a real competitive match day. The boys are itching to play. It's a lighter week for them [at training] this week and they'll be raring to go for the game," Wilkshire said.

"It will be great that we can get a full season in. We've got the FFA Cup to look forward to as well. But for now, we'll go one week at a time and focus on round one and that's Rockdale away and getting the three points."

One of the reasons that Wilkshire feels confident about the Wolves' chances on Sunday is the enthusiasm brought to the Illawarra club by their new recruits.

There has been plenty of discussion about former Blacktown City striker Leroy Jennings and ex-Corrimal Illawarra Premier League forward Van Elia joining the squad. But it's some lesser names that have grabbed the coach's attention.

"Bilal Belkadi has really impressed this pre-season. Young Jake Lavalle is another who has come into the group, he's still only 17 but he has really shone which is pleasing," Wilkshire said.

"There will be some new faces, we've got changes in the squad and they've all settled and fitted in with the way things are done here, with the group and the culture at the club. It's like they've been here forever.

"There is a hunger in this group. That's not just on game day, that's at training as well amongst themselves. I think the biggest challenge within the squad is to get into the team. I've got a great squad of 22-23 players who are all eager to play."