For the last three years Uralla have played in Group 4’s second division alongside fellow former Group 19 clubs Bundarra and Bingara. 

If Group 19’s proposed new venture is approved at its annual general meeting on November 12, the clubs will shift back to Group 19. 

The proposed second division competition will bolster rugby league in the region, with folded clubs Ashford and Guyra expressing an interest in playing in it. 

Group 4 senior vice-president Ray McCoy said it is in everyone’s best interests to ensure the sport is strengthened. 

“We haven't lost them because at the end of the day they applied to play with us last year and the year before,” he said. 

“I am happy to say Bundarra took out the [2017 Group 4 second division] title, which was nice, But at the end of the day they are Group 19 clubs and, as part of Country Rugby League, if Group 19 can provide a competition for those clubs to play in, then that's what we are here for.

“At the end of the day if it provides good football for those clubs for Group 19, then that's great.

“Our mission statement is to grow and foster the game of rugby league and give kids the opportunity we were afforded when we were kids. So as long as we keep that in sight, then that is what it is all about.

“Realistically there is nothing better than seeing a home town community support their home town teams.”

Group 4 overhauled its competitions at the end of last season, with Uralla and Bundarra originally included in its plans for 2018. 

“From a Group 4 point of view, we will just reassess the situation, readdress our draw and continue to move forward,” he said. 

“It's the silly season to a large degree. We are putting things in place, we have released the original concept to go into Group 4 next year, the template, knowing full well that there may have to be some rejigging before we get into season proper. 

“We have got our AGM on the November 12. We actually have a board meeting next week to look forward to the AGM .

“But at the end of the day we are inviting all of the clubs to let us know exactly where they are up to at this early stage of the year, and it is not just the clubs that have gone to Group 19. We need to know the situation with all the clubs in Group 4 and move forward from there.

“I am extremely happy for Group 19 if that comes to fruition and they can provide good football, and that's what it's all about. We are very supportive.” 

With more travel added to the Group 4 structure following the overhaul, Uralla president Josh Clark welcomed the prospect of returning to Group 19. 

“We are all for it. We are looking forward to it,” he said. “I spoke to all our boys, our coach and the committee and we are all on the same page. 

“If they regulate it with rules, like not too many first graders and stuff like that, it will be a pretty good comp.

“If we were to stay in Group 4 this year [2018], we would have been going to Narrabri, Wee Waa, Gunnedah, Boggabri. So it’s heaps less travel for us staying here.

“[Tenterfield is] not too far and the next is Warialda,which isn’t very far at all.”