Group 4 are pushing for Manilla and Barraba to join the first grade fray in 2022.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Speaking to the media this week, Group 4 chairman Terry Psarakis said both clubs have "been asked to step up".
"At this stage nothing is in concrete but we are working on trying to get them to first grade," he said.
READ ALSO:
Between them the two clubs have been the dominant force in the second grade competition in recent years. The Bulldogs were triumphant in 2018 with the Tigers claiming the spoils in 2019.
And just this week the Tigers were announced as the minor premiers for 2021 after an almost undefeated season. They won 11 of their 12 games, clocking up some big scorelines along the way.
The Bulldogs weren't far behind them in second.
Despite their success though both clubs have struggled for consistency of numbers. The Bulldogs sat out the 2019 season while the Tigers were absent from the field in 2018.
Asked about the reasons they have indicated for their hesitancy, Psarakis said numbers was one. The "age of certain players" is another.
"It does affect the other clubs because they haven't got a first grade side," he said.
Hs said they'll discuss it at next month's agm and "see where they're up to".
"We'll give them as much time as possible without interfering with the other clubs," he said.
