LOCAL footy returns to the Coffs Coast this Saturday, 8 March, with the Hoey Moey 9s Tournament set to feature a big day of fast-paced 9s action at Geoff King Motors Oval.

Hosted by the Coffs Harbour Comets, the annual pre-season nine-a-side competition will be a great chance for clubs to prepare for the upcoming Group 2 Rugby League season which kicks off next month.

Eight senior teams will compete for the 9s title this weekend, with games kicking off at 11am and the final to be played at 5.30pm.

Macksville Sea Eagles won the Men’s Open final at last year’s tournament, with the Coffs Harbour Comets finishing runners-up.

Wauchope Blues took out the Under 18s title beating Marist Brothers in the final.

The Hoey Moey 9s is Coffs Coast’s biggest annual rugby league tournament, traditionally signalling the beginning of another year of local rugby league.

The Group 2 Rugby League season kicks off on Saturday, 12 April.

By Aiden BURGESS