Group 4 boss Ray McCoy has described Werris Creek as the potential dark horse of the revamped top-tier competition this season.
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He said while reigning four-time premiers North Tamworth were favourites to again win the competition, other sides “could create plenty of interest”.
“Werris Creek could be sleeping giants under [co-coaches] Ronnie Dellar and Matty Parsons,” he said.
Brad McManus, who coached North Tamworth to three titles, stood down after last season’s grand final defeat of Narrabri and has been replaced by five-eighth Scott Blanch, who will also captain the side.
McCoy said Kootingal had signed a number of former West Tamworth Lions players. Geoff Sharpe has replaced Paul Hyson as Kootingal coach.
McCoy added: “Shane Rampling is coaching Boggabri, too, and Dungowan, under new coach Lochie Collins, also have a few players from North Tamworth and Wingham.”
McCoy said the Sean Hayne-coached Gunnedah Bulldogs and the Narrabri Blues, under new coach Wayne Saunders, “should not be forgotten”.
“Both clubs have hit the training paddock running, with some exciting new faces in their playing rosters,” he said. “You can guarantee they will be out to give the 2018 Woodleys Isuzu Ute first-grade premiership a good shot. It’s going to be an exciting comp.”
McCoy said 2018 was a “year of compromise”, following the major overhaul of Group 4’s competitions.
As the April 28 season launch approaches, he said while there was an outcry when the changes were first mooted, opponents to the new structure “have now changed to positive views”.
“Some of the clubs were very negative about it early on because change can be scary,” he said. “However they’ve changed their thinking after looking at the positives.”
McCoy said all Group 4 clubs had “good people involved” who “can all see the bigger picture.”
“They have all been very positive about it [the changes],” he added.
Group 4 publicity officer Peter Blom said the group had tried to schedule a two-round home-and-away first-grade competition without bye, with ladies league tag having a mix of games.
“We’ve tried to make sure clubs play all their games at the one venue on the same day where possible,” he said. “It is difficult with the different number of teams in each grade.
“We’ll also be able to have some Friday night games at North Tamworth now that they have new lights, and also at Gunnedah.”
Group 4 has received a financial boost this season. Woodleys Isuzu Ute has come on board as the major naming-rights sponsor, joining Tooheys, Wayne Cadman Insurance and Financial Planning, and Quirindi-based North West Farm Machinery.
Grand final day is September 8, while Group 4’s under-23 and ladies league tag sides have been selected to play in the divisional trials at Scone on April 21.
