The season will start on Saturday with one-day 50-overs matches for all grades.

Penrith first grade will take on Sydney Uni at Howell Oval and Blacktown will travel to Chatswood Oval for their clash with Gordon.

Penrith secretary Ross Graham said it will be a tough ask for the club to defend their club championship title.

``A few senior players retired after last season, which makes it much harder,'' he said.

``We've also lost a few players to other clubs.

``That's the price of winning a club championship everyone wants your best players.

``But it gives local juniors an opportunity to burst onto the senior levels.''

``We're confident of finishing in the top half of the competition.''

Players lost in the off-season due to retirement and other reasons include club captain Paul Goldsmith, Dale Turner, Kevin Geyer, Warren Buttergieg and Ian Russell.

Brett Newman returns to the top grade after illness kept him out of action last season.

Michael Houlihan is club coach, Michael Haire is in charge of first grade while wicketkeeper Luke Morrisey has been promoted to club captain.

``We're looking forward to big seasons from Jordan Silk, Brett Newman, Ryan Smith and Josh Lalor,'' Graham said.

``If we win the club championship with the players lost it'll be a major achievement.''

Graham encouraged fans to support all five grades this season.

First and second grades are based at Howell Oval, third and fourths at Cook Park and fifth grade at Werrington's Rance Park.

``Some of the players you'll be seeing could one day be wearing the baggy green,'' he said.

Graham is also looking to June next year when a new cricket pavilion and club house at Howell Oval is due to be completed.

The Federal Government-funded $5-million redevelopment is a part of a joint project with CUA Stadium and will include a shared walkway to improve access.