Group 4 president Ray McCoy says the initial "heartache" experienced by the overhaul of senior rugby league in the region has been replaced by excitement about the coming season – including new “super” Saturdays and Sundays.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
McCoy said the excitement was largely generated by the clubs’ response to Group 4’s decision to dramatically alter its league landscape to strengthen the much-maligned first-grade competition.
He said: “For all the heartache, for the clubs to have embrace the required change needed has been superb.”
He added: “I can’t wait until the start of the season. Unlike last year, when we may have preemptively known the scores, this year we have no idea.”
The Super Sunday and Super Saturday concept would involve North Tamworth, Narrabri, Gunnedah, Collegian and Bendemeer hosting five games on the one day – first grade, reserve grade, under-18 and ladies league tag (two games) – on a total of 23 occasions in 2018.
However the concept, at least in its desired form, is contingent on Group 4 finding five new ladies league tag teams to play in the Shield reserve-grade competition. With the 2018 draws recently finalised, the focus has shifted to finding those sides.
The extra clubs are needed to balance the reserve-grade league tag competition so sides play a full home and away season.
The new clubs would be independent entities aligned with a club that did not have a Shield league tag side. They are Gunnedah, Narrabri, North Tamworth, Collegian and Bendemeer.
“We’re in the process of looking for expressions of interest,” he said. “I spoke with [Group 4 secretary] Peter Blom about 30 minutes ago and the response has been good to supplementing the five new entities.”