The Group 19 rugby league season will launch into action this weekend with two of the opening round fixtures.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
In a split round, Warialda will play their first game back against Armidale on Saturday and then all eyes will be on Varley Oval on Anzac Day for a local derby clash.
The Tingha Tigers will make their return to rugby league after playing their last stint in 2019.
They will face the Inverell Hawks at Varley Oval.
Read also:
Tigers president James Sheather said they are champing at the bit to get back on the park.
"Our Tingha community is just so excited football is back on the cards," he said.
"It just gives them something to do on the weekends.
"A bit of mental health for them as well, socialising and getting back into the groove of things
"I have never seen the town so happy."
In the men's, the Tigers have picked up a range of players from experienced heads coming from surrounding clubs to those re-starting the game.
The women's team has acquired plenty of talent and experience.
"We have got a competitive team this year, we have got about 25 to 30 guys turning up," Sheather said.
"We have got a handful of guys that have played in the past but even our senior men, we have got a lot of guys that haven't played football or a long time.
"They might have played in the junior leagues and never played any senior football either which is good, a bit of new blood.
"We have got about 17 ladies but we have other interest from other ladies too since we played that trial [against Warialda].
"We are not worried about winning this year, we do want to be competitive but we are just trying to rebuild the Tigers club."
Sheather is hoping the whole community will turn out for the opening clash, set to begin at 2pm on Monday.
"Hopefully we will get a big crowd there, especially Tingha and Inverell on Anzac Day," he said.
"Who doesn't want to watch a game of footy on Anzac Day and have a few beers?"
Inverell Hawks coach Brock Mathers was of the same belief.
"A bit a of a local derby straight up which will be interesting," he said.
"They scored a few points in that trial so they will definitely be out to play football on Monday."
In terms of personnel, Mathers is confident with his numbers.
"We have got a few players that played with us last year that have gone over to Tingha, I am sure they will be out to make a point and prove themselves," he said.
"We are travelling pretty good, we have got good numbers.
"We have lost a couple from last year, a couple have gone to different clubs and a few have just retired but our more experienced players are there.
"We have still got a bit of experience and we have picked up a couple of players as well who seem to have a bit of talent as well."
Mathers said the league tag has been in a bit of a re-building stage but signs have been positive so far.
"We have got a lot of young girls in the club this year and they have got a lot of talent, a lot of speed and know how to play the game," he said.
"The further along they go and the more experience they get playing against the older girls, the better they will get."