But the North Otago coach is always prepared.
"We’re up for a challenge, obviously," Forrest said.
The Old Golds Heartland Championship campaign gets under way today with a "tough" opening encounter against Mid Canterbury in Ashburton.
Mid Canterbury beat North Otago twice last year, the first in a golden point extra-time thriller in Kurow finishing 40-35 in favour of the Hammers.
But the 31-15 loss the Old Golds copped in the Lochore Cup semifinal hurt more.
Forrest, however, is keen to leave the past in the past and start with a clean slate.
"Last year was what it was.
There have been big changes in the team, with a fresh playing group this season and nine players making their North Otago debuts today.
Among those are former Highlander Vilimoni Koroi, who has been named at first five, Welshman Rory Bartle — who has taken over the captaincy — at lock, and Frenchman Lucas Ollion at fullback.
Meli Kolinisau returns to anchor a front row packed with experience in Hayden Tisdall and Kelepi Funaki. Josh Clark rounds out the tight five.
Harbour’s Aleki Morris-Lome — who played for the Old Golds in 2015 — and Jesse Bowring, who has big raps on him, join together for an exciting midfield combination.
Dynamic Tini Feke will run all day at halfback, Junior Fakatoufifita is explosive at No8 and Mat Duff is ever-reliable at flanker.
"We’ve got the best team we think that’s going to go up and put on a performance in their own jersey," Forrest said.
"It’s just got to that point everyone’s just bloody super excited now and can’t wait to get up there ... and get out on the field and hopefully do the business."
Heartland Championship
Today, Ashburton Domain, 2.30pm
North Otago: Lucas Ollion, Tua Ravula, Jesse Bowring, Aleki Morris-Lome, Mone Samate, Vilimoni Koroi, Tini Feke, Junior Fakatoufififa, Mat Duff, Kasimila Vaihu, Rory Bartle, Josh Clark, Meli Kolinisau, Hayden Tisdall, Kelepi Funaki. Reserves: Jake Greenslade, Josefa Veiogo, Teimesia Bolavucu, Ratu Logavatu, Samu Babiau, Tyron Davies, Matia Qiolevu, Asesela Ravuvu
Mid Canterbury: Sam Pearce, Hugh Griffiths, Isireli Maisiwini, Tom Reekie, Raitube Vasurakuta, Josh Jennings, Liam McCormack, Michael Hennings, Kaydis Hana, Rory Duff, Henry McManus, Lote Nasiga, Adam Williamson, Callum Burrell, Brad Tarbotton. Reserves: Jackson Donlan, Cameron Haynes, Osea Baisagale, Logan Bonnington, Ashton McArthur, Angus McKenzie, Hamish Mackenzie, Elyh McKibbin.
