Throughout a two-and-a-half hour annual general meeting last week Group 10 rugby league discussed a number of issues but one of the more pressing ones was the 2019 draw.
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A later start appears on the cards next year, with the Penrith Panthers NRL game at Bathurst on March 30 likely to push the Bathurst knockout back to the first weekend of April.
The competition proper is likely to then start in the second week of April.
A spare weekend during the second round of draw will also be allocated in order for any weather-affected rounds, like the snowed-out weekend Group 10 battled in June, to be replayed.
Group 10 president Linore Zamparini is hopeful every club will field at least four grades in 2019.
All clubs indicated premier league, first division, under 18s and league tag requirements will be met, while nearly every club will field an under 18s league tag side as well.
Zamparini said running a five-match program on game day had its challenges but he said the inclusion of another female grade made sense.
“The addition of the league tag girls has been great for a number of clubs,” he added.
“And I know a few clubs are looking at playing under 18s before first grade next season. The 18s game is general considered a better spectacle … it just means a few reserve graders have to get out of bed a bit earlier.
“Hopefully the competition will be as strong or better than it was in 2018.”
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