Competition from other sports, particularly Aussie Rules, who are investing heavily in NSW, and a dearth of young men on the coast, are challenges for rugby league.

Yet Anderson notes the code is in good shape, with nine clubs signalling intent to field sides in all three grades (firsts, reserves and under 18s) this season.

Aside from a new Group to our north – the result of a merger of two associations – Group 2, with nine clubs, is the benchmark for Country Rugby League (CRL).

But Anderson is keenly aware of the devils at the door.

“AFL is throwing stacks of dollars into NSW as that’s about the only area they can encroach on. They are doing a lot in schools, and they are very good at

getting publicity, but it’s not transferring to attendance – they’d be lucky if they got 100 people to a game, even on a Saturday afternoon,” Anderson told The Guardian News.

A more significant and immediate threat to the game lies in the changing demographics in the country.

“There’s not as many young men about, many of them are leaving and going to the mines, particularly out west. It comes down to employment - there’s limited jobs on the Mid North Coast, and not a lot of industry here,” he said.

Despite that, Group 2 is in good shape for 2012.

+ Jim Anderson rates the teams from Sawtell, Nambucca Heads, Macleay Valley, Coffs Harbour, Woolgoolga, Bellingen/Dorrigo, Macksville, Orara Valley and Port Macquarie in today's Guardian