First it was former Premiership Captain Jake Grace and now former Magpies enforcer, Ben Robinson has returned to the fold for a crack at the new competition in 2022 with Forbes. From all reports, the Magpies signing spree isn’t finished just yet either as excitement builds for the new season!
Last March, after consultation, the NSWRL announced its plans to provide new opportunities for clubs in Groups 10 and 11 which would set Western NSW up for success for generations to come. The new competition will also provide weekly acid tests for Forbes footballers.
Group 10 includes clubs from Bathurst, Blayney, Cowra, Lithgow, Mudgee and Orange, while Group 11 includes clubs from Dubbo, Forbes, Narromine, Nyngan, Parkes and Wellington. Whereas previously neighbours like Forbes and Cowra or Mudgee and Wellington only played once a year, this is all about to change.
The revamped format includes:
• A first-past-the-post system and silverware for both the top clubs from Group 10 and Group 11 to preserve history and uphold traditional conferences;
• a minimum of four crossover games between Group 10 against Group 11 teams with travel to be minimised;
• the top four teams from Group 10 and Group 11 to advance to a play-off series involving eight teams who will all vie for the Western Premiership;
• the Western Premiership winner to take part in the end-of-season two-week Presidents Cup competition to determine the State Champion for 2022.
• The new competition in 2022 will run from April to September. If the Magpies continue on this trajectory with key signings, they may well be swooping at the start of Spring.