The season had been slated to commence on May 4 - which would have been a late start.

But in announcing the draw for the 2019 season on Thursday, it was revealed that the season will now commence on April 6.

The opening games will be at Kootingal, Werris Creek, Narrabri, Manilla and Boggabri.

Group 4 chairman Ray McCoy said formulating the draw was a protracted process due to the complexities involved.

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He said devising the draw was difficult because there was an uneven number of clubs cross all competitions.

He said another contributing factor was Group 4 having to wait for clubs to decide if they would compete in 2019.

Many of the clubs had asked to have their teams play at the same venue on the same day and that had been one of the major factors in deciding the draw.

“After much thought, I have okayed a draft draw that will see us achieve all our clubs' requested requirements to have all their teams play at the same venue on the same day,” he said.

He added: “The draw is based around the reserve-grade and ladies league-tag competitions, as all clubs are represented, bar Dungowan in reserve grade, which becomes a bye.

"So it provides us with a complete template for a two- round home-and-away competition.

“The first-grade and under-18 competitions will have to make some compromises with extra byes, but it is a fair and equal draw of two rounds with equal home-and-away games.”

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McCoy said clubs had been sent a copy of the draft draw so they could provide Group 4 with feedback.

On Saturday, April 6, Kootingal-Moonbi hosts Dungowan in men, under-18 and league tag; Werris Creek hosts North Tamworth in first and second grades and league tag; Boggabri has a first-grade bye but play South West Robins in second grade and league tag; and Manilla and Barraba match up in reserve grade and league tag at Manilla. 

The following day, Narrabri and Gunnedah clash at Narrabri in all four grades.