"We will probably lose a few of the leaguies who played with us last season, but not many, and I think we will field a very strong team again," an optimistic coach, Jacob Maurirere, said.

"We're starting training next month and we'll miss the Crescent Head Sevens carnival because of the heat factor, but I'm very optimistic about the approaching season that we will do well again."

The concern is after last year's disrupted season that the Gloucester Cockies club may not field a men's team - citing the town's lack of numbers - although the women are expected to be a force again in the Lower Mid North Coast premiership.

Two rugby league players expected back with the Ratz are the Wheeler brothers, Jake and Corey, two important backs as the Ratz charged into the grand final against the Wallamba Bulls.

Related: Dolphins to make official return at Crescent Head sevens carnival

Likewise, the talented No 8, Sam Hartnett, will be back after his ill-starred winter last year when troubled by a knee injury.

Another player expected to return to the back line is outside-centre, Dean Mills, a player Maurirere says has "so much energy, and a player who never misses a tackle."

"Sam's return is massively important to us. On the field or off it, he is a force for our club," he said.

"I just hope the Forster Dolphins field a strong team again. I remember when the Old Bar Clams stood down for a season after winning a couple of premierships. They have never been the same club since."

Manning River have a new club president in their premiership-winning lock, Steven Rees, who has succeeded Jim Boyce, the much loved "Welshman-Aussie".

In his farewell winter, Jim bowed out with a premiership and a proud circuit of their home ground with the premiership shield.

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