CYMS hung on to win a thrilling Group 11 season opener at Caltex Park on Saturday, withstanding a frantic attacking raid from the Cowboys after the siren to claim a 12-10 victory.

Both sides, featuring a host of new faces, are leading contenders for this season's premiership and while the respective coaches both said their sides remain a work in progress there was a lot to like about the performances.

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"That's perfect. That's how you want to start a season," exhausted CYMS captain-coach Jarryn Powyer said.

"I think both sides are a long way from where they want to be but the effort from both sides was non-stop and it was a good game to play in, that's for sure."

Cowboys coach Justin Toomey-White echoed that while adding how proud he was of his players to fight until the very last whistle in what was a bruising encounter.

The Cowboys, with former NRL player Travis Waddell and Parkes legend Dennis Moran among those making their debuts, had earlier enjoyed a dream start. Mason Williams' kick-off was allowed to bounce and went into touch and from the ensuing set new fullback Josh Griffiths crossed out wide to open the scoring.

CYMS hit back twice on the left edge to go into the sheds with a 12-4 lead and after a second half where both sides struggled for momentum, the Cowboys set up a grandstand finish when Wade Peachey scored in the 70^th minute.

The Cowboys threw everything at last season's minor premiers and had a chance at the death after some frantic side-to-side and ad-lib footy, but CYMS' defence scrambled and got the job done.

"It was a cracking game," Toomey-White said.

"It was going to come down the wire, we knew that.

"I've got faith in all the boys and we're going to be playing to the final minute. It goes to show tonight, it was there but we'll take some positives out of it."

After Griffiths' early try CYMS hit back twice in the next 20 minutes, the two four-pointers coming after the Cowboys had gifted the hosts the ball.

The first followed a CJ Ralph knock-on inside his own 20m, CYMS made the most of that chance and scored when back-rower Billy Sing muscled his way across.

The second came off the back of a penalty, a slick shift from right-to-left and a neat flick pass from centre Corey Cox resulting in winger Nick Karydis diving over.

Brad Pickering's two successful conversions saw the Fishies lead by eight at the break.

The second half may have lacked in flowing football but the effort and intensity certainly made up for it.

Both sides spent plenty of time in the opposition 20 metres but poor handling meant there was never any genuine try-scoring chances.

With so many new players on either side - the Fishies featured a new halves combination of Tom Yeo and Cameron Dennis - neither side could build momentum.

Wellington began to dominate possession as the half wore on and after a string of repeat sets they finally found a way through the Fishies' defence.

Not long after Griffiths went close only to be held up across the line, a chip kick to the corner was spilled by CYMS winger Corey Drew and went straight into the hands of Cowboys centre Wade Peachey.

Peachey was able to barge his way over and when Lewis Stanley converted from the chalk it was a two-point game.

But there was not to be a perfect ending for the visitors as a raid down the right wing was shut down, much to the delight of Powyer.

"I was a bit nervous," Powyer laughed of the final passage of play.

"You could see when they came down the left side to start with a few boys weren't keen to make the tackle and that's understandable after a big effort.

"But to see a bloke like 'Chappo' (Jyie Chapman) come 70 metres across to get there and Billy Sing put in an effort as well.

"It's an unreal way to start."

While a number of players battled cramp and other knocks in the game, Wellington's Williams suffered the only notable injury and was stretchered off after a hit to the ribs.