Deniliquin must field both a men’s and women’s team to meet the requirements of the competition.
Recruitment for the women’s side has been slower than desired, but Proten Community Club president Brad Lawrence said that does not necessarily mean Deniliquin will be excluded.
“We know that clubs do go through highs and lows,” he said.
“The women’s is nine a side, but if Deni can at least register a team, we can make up that nine with players from other clubs.
“The only time it would become problematic is if the Deni women make finals, and you cannot play finals with relief players.
“Barellan’s woman, for example, onlt had seven players last year and played a full season with help from other clubs. They did have to sit out finals, though.”
Lawrence said there may be an opportunity to bolster Deni’s numbers from interested female players who cannot join their home team due to the sides being at capacity.
But Deni is still holding out hope they can head into the season with a full team of local players.
The Proten Cup season is due to start on May 30.
A Deni team has been added to the draw for both the men’s and women’s competitions, but in her last update to the Pastoral Times, Deniliquin Blue Heelers president Rachel Jane, said they only had half the female players required so far.
Under men’s coach Drew Hinkley and women’s coach Zach Dwyer, the Heelers continue to steadily build numbers and fitness as they prepare for another competitive year.
The men’s squad has settled into a strong training rhythm, but the women’s side remains a key priority.
Those registered to play in either of the teams so far have been training since January - earlier than any other club in the league.
The club is offering weekly training, a supportive team environment and free bus transport to all games - for both men and women - to make it easier for players from across the district to take part.
The women’s competition remains restricted to ten games per season, meaning trial matches are not permitted before the May 23 knockout.
Anyone interested in joining the Blue Heelers, particularly the women’s tackle side, can find more information via the club’s Facebook page.
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