GROUP Three Rugby League clubs will play a women's 11-a-side rugby league competition as well as league tag this season.
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However, the length of the tackle season and when games will be played will be determined at a general committee meeting to be held this month.
The group is currently getting insurance costings for the players.
"If we play a six week competition it'll be $50 per player,'' Group Three chairman Wayne Bridge said.
"But if we go longer than six weeks, it'll be $150 per player.''
Mr Bridge said it appears the introduction of a tackle competition is proving popular with players. He added formulating a plan that is workable on game day will now be the group's main priority.
There was some thought to playing the 11-a-side competition separately, possibly with all games on a Friday night at the same venue.
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However, it appears clubs want the women's tackle to be played on the same day as the other grades.
The group's board was due to meet this week to discuss this and other matters pertaining to the 2021 season.
"Port Sharks have had an influx of league tag players and they want to enter two sides,'' Mr Bridge said.
"So that's something else we're going to have to factor in.''
The group has also added Camden Haven in under 18s and women's league tag to this year's premiership.
Mr Bridge said previously the long term plan is for the Eagles to enter at least one senior side in the competition.
While Camden Haven hasn't played in the Group Three competition for some years, the club has been strongly represented in the Group Three Junior Rugby League.
Group Three will return to the field this year after cancelling the 2020 competition because of concerns with covid-19.
The under 18s went ahead, playing with the Group Three junior league, where Wingham beat Old Bar in the grand final.
The group's season launch will be at the Wingham Services Club on Friday March 27 with the season-proper underway from Saturday April 10.
Two local derbies will highlight the opening round of the season. Taree City will meet Old Bar Pirates at the Jack Neal Oval on the Saturday while Port City and Port Sharks to clash at the Regional Stadium on the same day.
In the other games, Wauchope will tackle premiers Macleay Valley at Wauchope while Wingham will host Forster-Tuncurry, with both fixtures the Sunday.
