Half a decade has passed since the town was last represented in the competition.

Club junior Jared Bruen returns after spending a few seasons with Port Macquarie Sharks in the Group 3 rugby league competition.

He will captain the side in the upcoming season while brother Zac will keep an eye on things from the coaches box.

"I just came back to help build the club up for the young fellas," Bruen said.

"I remember when I was their age back in 2012 when we last won the competition and it was a great feeling so it will be nice to try and get a few local kids to feel the same thing."

Bruen said interest in rugby league had dwindled for a few seasons, but there was now excitement in the air.

"We just ran out of cattle," he said.

"I had to move away for some work and a few of the other boys went to Group 3 and now we're back."

While they expect to be competitive in their first season back in the competition, Bruen admitted it would be a three-year plan as they aim to return the club to its halcyon days.

"It is a big expectation to do (win the competition) coming into the first year, but our focus is on forming a team and maybe winning one inside three years," he said.

"We're trying to build a side and look after the town."

There was no bad blood between Bruen and the Sharks.

"I just got a phone call and wanted to step away from Group footy; I won some good premierships there so that was enough to come back to Hastings," he said.

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