Despite a chaotic pre-season Cootamundra will once again hold its nines tournament.
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The club has seen a big turnover of officials and players since the end of last season, highlighted by the loss of incoming captain-coach Hayden Crockett last week, but want to continue to grow the event.
Run for the first time last season, when 12 teams took part in the tournament, Cootamundra is looking to cement the fixture as a permanent part of the rugby league calendar.
Interim Bulldogs president Tony Harper confirmed this year’s competition will be run on March 12.
There has already been five teams submit entries.
That does not the hosts, who are expected to fill at least one spot.
There is room for 16 teams in the draw and Harper is confident more nominations will be received.
“We still have a few weeks to work it all out as entries don’t close until a couple of weeks before,” Harper said.
Based on the popular NRL concept, the games are shorter and sharper than the standard game, with nine players a side on the field.
Junee defeated Group 20 club Tullibigeal Lakes United in the final of the inaugural event last season.
It will be the second rugby league pre-season event in the region, following on from the West Wyalong Knockout.
Positions for the February event were all secured in December with seven Group Nine clubs to be represented.
Harper also confirmed Adam Perry will assist the club after Crockett’s departure.
“He’s going to come along and advise them on a number of things,” Harper said.
As part of his role as the region’s development manger, Perry is working with a number of clubs in the pre-season.