The main contributor to growth was the Castlereagh Youth League, which saw five teenage teams take shape including Gulgong, Gilgandra, Coonamble, Dunedoo and St John’s Dubbo. A new addition to the Castlereagh Youth League in 2010 could be the Warren Bulldogs as the blue and whites look to canvas interest from youth within the town. Dubbo Macquarie and Dubbo CYMS have also been asked to consider fielding two under 18 sides, with their second-tier outfits likely to compete in the Castlereagh Youth League.

“The success of our Youth League in 2009 has certainly boosted depth across our competition and we see potential for further growth,” said Castlereagh Cup president Dean Leach.

The western region welcomed the addition of 10 sides in the late teen division and this equates to approximately 200 extra players spread across the Castlereagh Cup, Woodbridge Cup and Group 10.

Western Chairman Peter McDonald attributes the boost in numbers to simply providing an opportunity.

“It shows there are plenty of players who want to enjoy rugby league, it’s just a matter of giving the clubs and players a chance to compete and reach their potential,” Mr McDonald said.

“The game has been promoted more heavily across various league’s in the region and we will continue this approach.”

In region’s south there are promising signs for the formation of a six-team Woodbridge Cup under 18s competition. Cabonne, Grenfell and a second Forbes Magpies under 18s side are all working hard to join the 2009 trio of Peak Hill, Condobolin and Canowindra.

“The longer we keep our youth in the game the greater the chance of retaining those players in grade,” said Woodbridge Cup president Arthur Cooper.

The prime example of this came in Group 10, where the return of Oberon Tigers and Blayney Bears in under 18s laid the foundation for the Bears return to Group 10 senior ranks in 2010.