GROUP 2 Rugby League is set for one of its biggest seasons yet in 2022.

After a 2021 season which featured six clubs, three additional clubs will enter the competition next season.

The addition of the Sawtell Panthers, Orara Valley Axemen, and the Nambucca Roosters will make it a nine-club competition in 2022.

The Sawtell Panthers and Orara Valley Axemen will re-enter the competition after not being a part of the 2021 season, while the Nambucca Roosters will make a return to Group 2 for the first time since 2018.

The Roosters bid to re-enter the Group 2 competition was successful after a meeting with the Group 2 board.

Roosters officials met with the Board of Group 2 to submit a complete, revised nomination proposal which met NSWRL criteria required for clubs in competitions.

All nine clubs nominated teams for the four Group 2 competitions in 2022.

Club delegates from Group 2 will meet in early March to confirm their respective team entries and a draw will be published in accordance with the team numbers.

Three clubs in next year’s Group 2 competition will feature former NRL players in some capacity.

Former Maroons and South Sydney superstar Greg Inglis will play for the Macksville Sea Eagles, while his fellow Souths premiership player Sam Burgess will coach the Orara Valley Axemen.

Former NRL player Clint Greenshields will coach the Sawtell Panthers as he returns to guide his former club.

 

By Aiden BURGESS