NORTH Tamworth began the defence of their Group 4 first grade premiership by winning the Group 4 Knockout and launched their season, officially, at Oxley Bowling Club last Saturday.
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They chase a third successive first grade premiership after winning the 2014 title under Brad McManus and then last season under Zac Russ.
With Russ’s move to Queensland, McManus has returned as first grade coach and is ready for a big season with a similar side and with some new faces.
They tackle Narrabri at Jack Woolaston Oval on Sunday in their first game of the new season while Oxley Diggers go to Gunnedah to play the Bulldogs and Armidale Rams make their Group 4 debut by hosting West Lions at Armidale Rugby League Park.
It is an exciting time, said Group 4 president Mick Schmiedel as he wished all six first division and 13 second division clubs all the very best for a new season.
While the Group 4 Second Division Shield started their competition last weekend, the First Division and six-team Second Division Plate begin this weekend.
“It’s a big weekend,” Schmiedel said.
“We will have all three competitions up and running.
“I’m looking forward to it, especially with Armidale coming in for the first time.”
At this stage, Armidale might only have Under 18, ladies’ league tag and first grade sides but Schmiedel said the Rams committee was hopeful of adding a second grade side as well.
He believes their addition will only strengthen Group 4.
“A lot of people have been saying Group 4 is not as strong as it once was,” he said.
“But last Sunday we won back-to-back men’s and ladies’ league tag Greater Northern Championships.
“We also won the Greater Northern Under 18s last month so our comp might just be a lot stronger than people might think.
“Maybe Group 4 is a lot healthier than the critics suggest.
“We have good player numbers and 19 clubs playing in the Group 4 First and Second Divisions.”
One area of concern is the referees and Schmiedel recognises that.
“We are struggling for refs,” he said.
“At this stage we are handling it.
“We do have some very good young kids coming through the refereeing ranks.
“They are just touch judges (senior grades) as yet but they will make excellent senior referees in a few years.
“However we still need senior refs.”
