GROUP Three Rugby League will hold a think tank with clubs and NSWRL women's development officer Kylie Hilder early next year to determine the best pathway to establish a women's tackle competition on the Mid North Coast.
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The seven-week North Coast 11-a-side competition concluded on Saturday at Wauchope. This involved clubs from Groups Two and Three, although the majority were from Group Three. Matches were played at Port Macquarie, Sawtell, Wauchope, Coffs Harbour, Kempsey, Smithtown, Taree and Wingham.
"This isn't the best time of year to be running a rugby league competition," Group Three Rugby League chief executive Mal Drury said.
"But we were forced into it by COVID. We'll organise a meeting with Kylie, probably early next year, and we also want to get some feedback from the clubs as to what we can do moving forward.
"But obviously playing a rugby league competition during the rugby league season would be preferable."
Mr Drury said the interest from some players waned after the opening week on Saturday, October 24, particularly when the weather started to get warmer. Fortunately games were scheduled for Coffs Harbour last weekend when the State baked in heatwave conditions.
"It wasn't too bad at Coffs," Mr Drury said.
"And most of the players don't seem to mind. They're just happy to get a game."
The competition was run in under 15, 17 and open age divisions. Wingham fielded teams in the 15s and opens, while Taree Panthers had sides in the 15s and 17s.
"A number of players - particularly the under 17s - say they want tackle football," Mr Drury said.
"There's a few options we can consider. I'd think initially we'd only get half a dozen sides so we could play games at the one venue on the one day or night.
"That wouldn't disrupt our other competitions."
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He added that using free weekends during the Group Three season-proper for a gala was another consideration.
Mr Drury noted that interest and participation in women's rugby league was on the rise throughout the State. This is mirrored in the NRLW, where there are moves to add more teams from 2021.
"We won't be left behind," he said.
"But we have to develop a strategy that is workable for all parties."
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