The former NRL player will be back training at the ground where his footy career started as a Jersey Flegg player, at Stromeferry Reserve, St Andrews.

It will be a big year for the Kangaroos in their return to the Group 6/Wests combined competition, but McGuinness believes the team will make an impact.

Aged 33, McGuinness believes the Kangaroos could be the ``dark horse'' of the competition.

He has vowed to give his all to help his teammates reach their goals and produce a successful season.

``I didn't come here to stand behind my own try line and watch other teams kick goals,'' McGuinness said.

``I really want to help the young lads out and give them a hand.

``I do think there might be expectations on me to be able to play like I used to so I'm up for the challenge, too.

``This is where it all began for me playing in the area as a young boy for Minto Cobras and I want to give back to this footy community as much as it gave me when I was a young lad at times when I needed it most.''

McGuinness can draw on experience he gained playing 231 first grade games with Western Suburbs Magpies, Wests Tigers and Manly in the NRL and Salford City Reds in the UK Super League.

Nicknamed ``Buddha'', McGuinness led Wests Wollongong to the Carlton League title last season and is confident the Kangaroos can establish themselves against league heavyweights.

``My nephew plays in the under-12s here, I want to show him that his old uncle can still play a bit,'' he said.

``I'm willing to play anywhere the coach feels it will benefit the team the most.

``I've been playing a bit of five-eighth and centre in the Illawarra comp.

``The boys are pumped and they're excited. Training has been great, fitness is going to be our baby this year.

``They train hard and if they can show the same amount of passion in games as they do in training, we'll certainly win more games than we'll lose.''

Kangaroos' senior training takes place Tuesdays and Thursdays at Stromeferry Reserve, Raby.