The Tigers, who will face the ultimate test in its Riverina league debut against Wagga Tigers on July 18, swooped late on Bye after young tall Michael Driscoll was booked in to have his tonsils removed.

"We were a bit concerned about our ruck options with Michael having his tonsils out just before the season starts so we gave Zach a call," coach Joel Mackie said.

"There was a bit of confusion surrounding our points but Zach will fit in.

"It's good to have him on board."

Bye played in Albury's 2018 premiership and will further bolster Osborne's midfield as it attempts to step up from the Hume league.

In another plus, Bye and fellow recruit Elliott Powell played together at Albury and will have a good understanding of each other's game.

Mackie said Wagga Tigers would present a mighty first-up challenge at Wagga's Robertson Oval.

"It will be a tough one first up," Mackie said.

"To be honest though, I think they will all be tough."

Osborne has three home matches.

Mackie expects the closure of the NSW-Victoria border to have little impact on his team with only "one or two" players based in Victoria.

"We are looking into it now but I don't think we have many Victorian-based players," he said.

The majority of Ovens and Murray players who have signed with Riverina and Farrer league clubs live in NSW.

In other first round matches, Collingullie Glenfield Park host Narrandera, Ganmain-Grong Grong-Matong play Griffith, Coolamon take on Turvey Park and Leeton-Whitton do battle with MCUE.

All matches will be played on Saturdays this year during a shortened nine-round home and away season.

The grand final will be played on October 10.