Plans begin for East Coast Tribal League Association

The Dunghutti, Gumbaynggirr and Biripi nations will all be represented with six teams nominating so far. Those sides are Ngaku Warriors, Biripi South Taree, Dunghutti Broncos, Thunghutti Bilabangs, Gumbaynggirr Rams and Gumbaynggirr Wall Street Warriors.

Plans were previously in place in 2015 for the competition and now the idea has been re-visited.

"It'll be a cultural event, all based around non-smoking and health," competition organiser Dave Fernando said.

"This is the inaugural event so we'll try it out and see how we go.

"It'll give sides a chance to make money for upcoming Koori Knockout carnivals at the end of the year and provide players with fitness before the season starts."

The competition plans to run from January 22 to April 9 with sides permitted to have eight non-Indigenous players to ensure it's an inclusive event according to Mr Fernando.

Round 1 and 2 will be played at Smithtown Oval. Ngaku Warriors and Biripi will kick off the competition at 10 o'clock before Rams and WSW at 11:10 and Thungutti v Dunghutti at 12:20.

A lunch break will follow before Rams v Biripi (2:30), Dunghutti v WSW (3:40) and Ngaku v Thunghutti (4:50).

Following rounds will look to be played at Taree, Nambucca and Macksville.

Both Biripi Aboriginal medical service and Durri Aboriginal medical service have come on board in support of the competition.

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