It's all systems go for Group 4's Footie Fours with Wests Entertainment Group agreeing to sponsor the tournament, and a kick-off date, venue, individual team sponsors and four captains set.
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Now all they need is the players.
To be known as the WEG 9's, the novel four-team competition will be played under lights over four nights at Scully Park culminating in a finals night on October 24 - the night before the NRL grand final.
Marius Street Family Dental, Shay Brennan Constructions, JT Fossey and Careys Freight Lines have come on board as the four team sponsors while the Liquor Marketing Group (Bottlemart) will sponsor the referees as well as providing man of the match prizes for each game.
North Tamworth captain-coach Scott Blanch, Narrabri star Brenton Cochrane, Werris Creek co-captain Cody Tickle and Manilla captain-coach Mitch Doring will captain the four sides, which will be selected at a yet to be announced draft night.
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Group 4 interim chairman Terry Psarakis has been encouraged by the support from the sponsors and said it has been great to see the community working together to get the concept off the ground.
"The idea was to have a little bit of fun with the game, with the nines, but also introduce some new sponsors and new people involved in rugby league," he said.
He added that they are very pleased to have the support they have from Wests.
"It's great to see Wests back involved in a high level with rugby league and hopefully this is the start of many things to come," he said.
It has been three years since they were last involved with Group 4 at a senior he said, although they have in that time continued to support local rugby league, sponsoring the referees and junior rugby league.
The competition is slated to kick-off on Saturday October 3 with each team playing three games a night.
Group 4 media manager Geoff Newling said early interest has been good and they are confident they will get the numbers they need.
They are looking at at least 60 players with 15 per team, but will likely need more than that to account for injuries and player unavailability.
Initially they were aiming the competition at Group 4 players but interest could see a wider involvement.
"Since the board elected to float the nines we've received a bit of interest from players outside the group and from players inside the group who have players that are outside," Newling said.
"I'm sure we can accommodate anyone and it'll be just up to the captains when they sit down with their managers or sponsors on the selection night who they come up with."
The cost is $80. Players can nominate by e-mailing the Group 4 secretary Catherine Weeks (at group4secretary@gmail.com) and providing their full name, date of birth, address, present club, playing position/s and contact numbers (phone and email).
