Now in his third season with the Hoppers after moving from New City, the 23-year-old wants to 'walk the walk'.

"Over the last couple of years I've really wanted to take my game to the next level, but I don't feel like I have," he offered.

"I definitely feel like I could, there's definitely potential there, but I actually need to show it.

"Potential's one thing, but actually putting it into practice is another."

Langlands is refreshingly honest after moderate seasons with the Hoppers.

In 2018-19, the number four or five batsman produced 433 runs at 29, but followed it with 218 at only 18.

The right-hander is averaging 23 after the first six largely rain-interrupted rounds, but already boasts a half-century against Albury.

He shared a 78-run stand with the dashing Ash Borella in the win.

"The big thing has been working closely with Ash on the field, I think he and I have just clicked this year," Langlands explained of the combination.

"When you're batting with him and you watch how comfortably he hits the ball and how cleanly, it takes the pressure off you because I'm not the one who has to hit all the boundaries."

Langlands actually arrived at the Hoppers as an all-rounder, but his right-arm leg-spin has taken a back seat.

He's snared just the four wickets this season, albeit at a terrific average of 10, but claimed only two scalps last summer.

"When I came to North, I just lost that consistency, but there's been a lot of other good spinners there, like (former CAW captain) Greg (Daniel) was there for a while, now (former coach) Tendai Power Maruma and Ash Hulme was also there, they can bowl consistently all day on the spot," he said.

"I think the way the game has changed from 80 overs to 50, you really have to be a restrictive bowler.

"If you can restrict the opposition to a decent score and I think if you've got a good batting list, you can really chase that down, I think that's always been the North Albury way, anyway."

The Hoppers are one of only two unbeaten teams and they host the other in East Albury on Saturday.

East young gun Coby Fitzsimmons boasts an unbeaten century, while North's Anthony Hartshorn is coming off 109 not out against Wodonga Raiders.

IN OTHER NEWS:

Three clubs will be missing Riverina representatives and Raiders will look to take advantage when they travel to Corowa, which is without paceman Jarryd Hatton and spinner Ben Mitchell.

Wodonga is home to Lavington, missing three, including quick Ryan Brown, Tallangatta hosts Albury, while St Pat's meet New City.