GREATER Northern representative rugby league teams will not only have a new female chief in 2016 but they will have different formats.
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Merriwa’s Jane Walmsley is the new GN chairperson and the at-present Group 21 secretary-treasurer will watch the GN Tiger Under 16s and 18s play in a new pool-based format, GN regional manager Scott Bone said.
After the Greater Northern Championships for the two age groups are held on Saturday, March 12 in Tamworth, selectors will name two teams to play in a Northern and Southern Pool format, Bone said.
“Greater Northern is drawn to play against East Coast Dolphins, Central Coast and Newcastle Rebels over three weekends in April in both age groups,” Bone said.
“The top two teams in each pool will then advance to the semi-finals.”
It’s a better system to allow players not to be fatigued on a hectic weekend, spreading the games out and making them fairer for all players as well as allowing selectors a better look at the teenagers.
It means the Greater Northern Championships for Seniors and Ladies League Tag will be played on Sunday, April 24.
“After a successful 2015 Championships, the Tigers will start their campaign in Tier 1 and will take on Newcastle on May 14,” Bone said.
“A victory will see them play a May 28 semi- final. A loss against Newcastle will see the Tigers drop into Tier 2 and a semi-final spot.”
Meanwhile, applications for coaches and sports trainers for the Seniors, Under 18s and Under 16s and, for the first time, Ladies LeagueTag are now open.
Applications need to be in writing and application forms can be found by going to www.greaternortherntigers.leaguenet.com.au
Applications will close on Friday, December 4.
