Close to 150 young hopefuls from the Bowraville Junior Rugby League Club gathered at the oval to run drills and rub shoulders - a turnout which pleasantly surprised club president Karl Spear.

With Country Rugby League suffering from dwindling numbers all over the state, and kids flocking to the myriad other footy codes and sports now on offer in the Valley, it is heartening to see so many Tigers in the same place.

They're even trying to get two girls teams up this year - an U14s and a 16.5s side. It's still being decided whether the competition will be run as tackle or tag games.

"The 14s are a group of girls who are very keen to play tackle, it'll just depend on the other clubs as to whether we do tackle or tag," Karl said.

There is one age group, however, which could still use some extra star quality. The Under 15s are a little light on numbers, but Karl hopes that the pulling power of the side's talented coaches might draw in a few.

Club stalwart Maurie Lonergan has teamed up with Michael Stennett to coach the 15s through 2020 - a good omen for the season.

The Bowra Tigers are excited about ushering in a period of strengthening loyalty with their senior club - the Macksville Sea Eagles.

"People looking at the clubs don't automatically see that we're affiliated," Karl said.

With the clubs based in two separate towns it's easy to see how the confusion can come about.

But the junior club will remain in Bowraville, Karl says: "That's our home out there".

As a compromise, the Sea Eagles will be wearing the Tigers' emblem on their sleeves this season.

Even though numbers are strong on the field, Karl said they're a bit light on the sidelines.

He's hoping more young guns from the area will seize the opportunity to make a killing on a Saturday for a few hours' work.

"It's $50 a game for refs, and $20 for a touch judge - you could easily make $120 in three hours, which is not a bad day's work for a Saturday," he said.

They're waiting on Group 2 to arrange another referee training course, but anyone interested can contact the club.

They're also in need of more numbers in the canteen and on the barbecue.

"We need more parents to get involved - many hands make light work," Karl said.

"We really want to show our hospitality when opposition teams come to our home ground."

Any interested parents can liaise with their kids' coaches.

The competition doesn't officially start until May, but there will be a Gala Day with trial games on March 28.

And Karl said he's looking forward to an enjoyable season ahead, with a focus on fun.

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