A new sponsorship deal was announced at the launch before the Acropolis Cup began at the Gipps St Fields.

The organisation announced that McDonald’s has signed up for a three year partnership.

NIPL director Tim Coates said the deal would increase the development of the game in the region.

“It will benefit not just first grade and the top teams but everyone right down to juniors,” Coates said.

“It is great for the game and the competition.”

The deal also includes two all weather portable structures for each club for the players on the side lines.

All travelling teams will get free water from the restaurants.

The Premier League will once again be split into two conferences.

The northern conference is made up of the four Armidale clubs, with Inverell Joeys and Guyra United as well.

The three Tamworth sides will play in the southern division with the two Gunnedah sides, Moree and a combined Narrabri Wee Waa venture.

There will be two full rounds in each conference played before one full combined round and the finals.

Tamworth FC are the premiers after winning back-to-back titles.

Wee Waa were unable to finish last season due to dwindling numbers, and Narrabri struggled with a reserve grade.

Wee Waa president Shane Kable said funnily enough we were almost in the finals when we had to pull out last year.

Eight Wee Waa players and 15 Narrabri players will make up the two sides and alternate home grounds and strip.