The build up to the new Group 4 season is gathering momentum ahead of the May 4 launch. Behind the scenes, major player movements have occurred - and still are occurring.
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The Leader, the Group 4 authority, has tracked those movements - providing league fans with a keen insight into each sides' chances in 2019.
The coaches have also had their say, while we deliver our verdict on where each team will finish the season.
NORTH TAMWORTH
Key gains: Josh Schmiedel (Aberdeen, Group 21), Andrew Moodie (Pirates) and Cody Byrne (Dungowan).
Key losses: Bill Jeffries, Nic Dobson, Colby La-Chiusa, Tristram Morris and Brad Marshall.
Captain-coach Scott Blanch says front-rower Schmiedel, an ex-Country player, brings a "wealth of experience" and a "great attitude" to the side. "He knows what it takes to win those important games," Blanch said.
Last season: First.
This season: First.
GUNNEDAH
Key Gains: Matt Baker (Central, Newcastle).
Key losses: Callum Hayne and DJ Smith.
Coach John Hickey says front-rower Baker adds a "heap of experience" to the side, as well as a connection to the training methods of a Newcastle first-grade side.
Last season: Second.
This season: Second.
KOOTINGAL-MOONBI
Key gains: Chris Vidler (back from injury), Brad Vidler (Werris Creek), Ben Williams (ex-Rooster), Logan Howard (ex-Rooster) and Jack Rumsby (Dungowan).
Key losses: Mitch Doring, Phil Beaton, Mitch Denning and Ryan Martin.
Coach Geoff Sharpe says having front-rower Vidler back in the side is a big plus (Vidler won four premierships with West Lions). "He's nice and fit," Sharpe said, adding that the big man will give the Rooters "size in the middle".
Last season: Third.
This season: Third.
WERRIS CREEK
Key gains: Callum Hayne.
Key losses: Zac Buckley.
Co-coach Ron Dellar says: "We've got the same team as last year, really."
Last season: Fourth.
This season: Fifth.
NARRABRI
Key gains: None.
Key losses: None.
Narrabri president Michael Gleeson says the decision to appoint Brenton Cochrane captain-coach is "very exciting for the club".
Last season: Fifth.
This season: Seventh.
DUNGOWAN
Key gains: Brett Jarrett (ex-Newcastle Knights reserve-grader), Ben Nash (Parkes, Group 11) and Dom Horne (Central, Newcastle).
Key losses: Jack Rumsby and Fraser Evans.
New captain-coach Matt Wilson says he is confident the Cowboys will improve on their 2018 ladder position. "We have a really great club and there is such a positive feeling around the club at the moment," he said.
Last season: Sixth.
This season: Fourth.
BOGGABRI
Key gains: Kahn Juhnke (Kurri Kurri, Newcastle), Nick Miller (Bathurst St Pats) and Tyler Fleming (West Lions).
Key losses: Kialu Brown, Kyle Gallen.
Boggabri coach Shane Rampling says lock-forward Juhnke - named in the Newcastle first-grade competition's team of year in 2018 - is a "massive signing".
Last season: Seventh.
This season: Sixth.
