Association secretary Rowena Meers said there would be seven teams in the competition, with a new entity from Lake Cathie set to join.

The Local Lawyers will be the first team from that area that will compete in the competition for almost five years.

It total there will be another two from Port Macquarie, two from Kempsey and one each from Forster and Wauchope.

Two years ago Finnians won the competition, but Meers said while they will not return this season, their players will fill in for other teams.

“They have a lot of experienced players who will fit into the other two Port Macquarie teams which should make a more even playing field,” she said.

In addition to returning players, Meers said new players who had previously played in a Sydney competition would also join local teams.

Meers was looking forward to an exciting season ahead.

Action starts at 1pm and 3pm at Findlay Park on Saturday.