Rovers captain Ethan Dowling has admitted it's a shame Macleay rivals Nulla were forced to withdraw from the Premier League earlier this week, but they won't be chasing their players in an attempt to build a powerhouse team.
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Rovers have developed their juniors in the Mid North Coast league for the past two seasons and Dowling claims it would be a step backwards to replace them with Nulla's top players.
"It's a bit disappointing being the only side in the Macleay," Dowling told the Argus.
"The games between us were always great, no matter the form of either side heading into the game.
"We haven't chased any players, just asked what their intentions were now they don't have Premier League as an option for them at Nulla this year.
"Rovers have a strong junior pathway so there's really no need to be chasing anyone."
Dowling still hasn't finalised his line up for round one, which is next Saturday October 12, but the second-year captain mentioned Rovers will receive a boost from a classy player throughout the season.
"I am still moving players around at the moment but I will know who will be in the first 11 by the end of our final training session," he said.
"Nick Millar will be back every now and then, depending on work, and he will be a massive lift for the team when he plays."
Nick is a 24-year-old, who moved away from the region when he finished school, but was a Rovers junior.
Rovers will travel to take on United at Chatham Park for the opening round of the competition.
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