Batey and forward Alistair Fraser will be missing, but 98 per cent of the 2021 squad will be back ready to complete the job after the season was cut short by the COVID lockdown.

That includes joint 2021 Anderson Medal winner Sam Callow, prop Harry Chapman who was named in the NSW Country squad and fullback Chris Logan who was equal third in the Anderson count, just two votes behind Callow and Hamilton's Angus Brown.

"Alistair Fraser is moving up to Queensland for work and Pate Batey is moving over to WA for a bit of a seachange. A bit of work and footy over there," Cunningham said of the two losses from his 2021 squad.

"It's disappointing to lose one of your juniors but when they get an opportunity to experience something different and the fact they've got nothing holding them down it's a good opportunity."

The Blacks resume training on Tuesday, November 23, and Cunningham said players were keen to get back on the track and expunge some of the disappointment of the premature end to the 2021 season.

"It's all been verbally but by the looks of it about 98 per cent of the squad from last year will be back," Cunningham said.

"It's a bit disappointing the way the season ended last year, it left a bit of a hollow feeling with a lot of people with the question 'What could have been?'.

"I'm sure all the other teams felt the same but we felt we were starting to build pretty nicely a couple of weeks outside the semis."

Cunningham will be joined by 2018 grand final coach Mick Hickling who comes in as forwards coach and assistant coach.

Jono O'Toole is reserve grade head coach with James Callum forwards/ assistant coach. Geoff Golledge is third grade coach and Craig Young is at the head of the women's team.

"I'm really excited to have Hicko back. He was obviously part of the coaching staff with Ryan McCormack in 2018 when they made the grand final so he certainly knows what he is doing.

"He has a very good football brain and he brings a really good energy and is very well respected by the playing group as well. He will be great to have on board.

"He has a lot of experience and I think he will be great for some of the younger forwards we have pushing through from juniors. To have someone like him to learn from will be fantastic."

Cunningham said Dane Corben was one of the players who would be considered to replace Batey at flyhalf.

"Dane came across to us from league last year he played a little bit of five-eighth a few weeks when Pat was out injured and will be considered," he said.

While not in a position to confirm any new signings, Cunningham said the Blacks had spoken to several potential recruits.

"I don't want to pre-empt anything but there are a handful of players interested in coming to the club and they are all capable players," he said.