THEY’VE waited eight months for their season to begin.

Now this moment has finally arrived for the region’s rugby league players, as the latest Tooheys New Group 2 Rugby League season gets underway this weekend.

Coffs Harbour Comets kick off their season at home when they host defending premiers South Grafton Rebels at Geoff King Motors Oval.

The Comets will look to bounce back this season after not playing finals last year.

Last season’s preliminary finalists the Woolgoolga Seahorses take on the Nambucca Heads Roosters at Coronation Park.

The Seahorses were one win away from the grand final last season, while the Roosters were wooden spooners in their return to Group 2 competition.

Sawtell Panthers also hit the road for Round 1 when they travel to take on the Grafton Ghosts.

The Panthers missed the finals in their return to Group 2 competition in 2022, while the Ghosts made the second week of last year’s finals series.

The Bellingen Valley/Dorrigo Magpies make their return to Group 2 after a two-year absence when they host the Macksville Sea Eagles at Bellingen Park.

The Sea Eagles were knocked out in the first week of last season’s finals series.

The Coffs Harbour Comets Ladies League Tag side begin their premiership defence at home with a grand final rematch against the South Grafton Rebels.

By Aiden BURGESS