AUSSIE RULES: The Warwick Redbacks will host seven teams at this weekend's Horse and Jockey Cardinal Cup at Warwick Credit Union Oval.

Warwick goes into the cup competition as the least favoured side after playing division 2 in the Darling Downs competition last season.

But the early season numbers at training are the best for four years, according to Redbacks captain Andrew Bardsley.

"New player Ryan Pitt is a teacher at Stanthorpe and has played in Brisbane so will probably play midfield or on the half forward flank for Warwick," Bardsley said.

Some of the players in key positions are likely to be Brent Walker at fullback, Alex Cutmore in the ruck, Shane Iles at centre half forward and Kris Millard at full forward.

Iles won the best player award for a University team which won division 1 last season. Tyhe Clarkson also played in the University win and is back with the Redbacks this season.

Clarkson and Kurt Millard are the two past Holman Medal winners for fairest and best in division 1 in the Warwick side this season. Kurt missed most of last season with a hamstring injury.

Cup instigator Colin "Cardinal" Pope said when he first came up with the idea of a pre-season competition, he wanted to involve some teams from outside of the Darling Downs.

Jimboomba, Lismore, Goondiwindi and Warwick played in the early years and Jimboomba, Goondiwindi and Warwick are still involved.

South Toowoomba has since joined up and Ipswich Eagles will play for the first time this season.

"Ipswich play in the highest level competition of any of the teams," Pope said.

For the first time, a women's competition will be played with two teams involved.

There will be seven men's games and two women's games on Saturday and two men's and one women's game on Sunday.

Ben Lubben is heading into his first season as Redbacks president and said one of his aims was to improve the grounds.

"I want to also improve club membership numbers on and off the field and put a business plan in place for the club," Lubben said.

"We are keen to hire out our clubhouse which Karen Clarke co-ordinates and already have bookings for 14 functions this season."

Warwick will not field a women's team in the 2018 Darling Downs competition but Lubben is aiming to build up numbers in the off season so as to field teams in all senior and junior grades in 2019.

There will be entertainment at the Redbacks clubhouse this Saturday night.

The first fixture game for the men will be on April 21 at Warwick Credit Union Oval against Dalby, the team which beat Warwick in last season's division 2 grand final.

All men's teams on the Darling Downs competition are now in division 1.

The April 21 game will double as ladies day and the Anzac Day clash.

Warwick games this Saturday: 9am Warwick v Jimboomba; 11am Warwick v Ipswich; 1.40pm Warwick v South Toowoomba; 3.40pm Warwick v Goondiwindi.