Laurieton Hotel Stingrays Rugby League Football Club have put out the call for new and returning players ahead of the 2021 season.
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The club has been on a recruiting drive for players and a 2021 coach since holding an annual general meeting on November 19 last year.
The Stingrays also scheduled an urgent meeting from noon at the Laurieton Hotel on Sunday, January 24.
Club president Glenn Knight said the group has strong sponsorship, fan and committee backing but not enough players signed.
"We've been in two grand finals in a row, plenty of supporters and sponsor support but no players," he said.
"With the retirement of many of our original stingrays players, we will need some new blood to keep this team going. We have about five people ready to go but really we need a squad of 25, we'd start training if we had a dozen.
"It isn't unusual for lots of clubs in the Hastings to be scratching for players this time of year and the competition doesn't start until April, so there's still time but we might have to rely on out-of-town players or new people to town.
"My opinion would be if we don't have dozen players within a week, we will probably announce that we will not be competing this year."
Mr Knight said the team is also looking for a coach to guide the playing group.
"The best way to get the team going would be to have a captain-coach, someone playing on field who can also bring along some of their own players," he said.
"The committee has been pushing hard before Christmas and getting nowhere, I've been on the phone for the last couple of weeks and just striking out everywhere.
"Now is the time to put your hand up if you want to see a team on the paddock this year."