Wildfires representative Ben Ham would be keen to "test" himself in the "country's premier club competition" but Newcastle Hunter Rugby Union officials are awaiting more details about a potential return to Shute Shield.
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Ham, who played in the Wildfires' recent hit outs against Western Force and Illawarra before the coronavirus crisis put the 2020 season on hold and cancelled an end-of-year tour to Argentina, was impressed by the current squad assembled by coach Scott Coleman.
"Bubba [Coleman] had done a good job getting a good squad together before COVID-19 hit, but we didn't really get a chance to play that much together," Ham said. "I think it would be a good way to test ourselves in the country's premier club competition."
Ham, also captain of Wanderers, would likely be one of the key inclusions for the Wildfires if they filled the 12th and final spot on the Shute Shield roster later this year.
NHRU president Bill Clifton said they were now standing by to hear back from SRU in relation to game-day commitments and financials. The Wildfires and Penrith may combine forces to fill the required grades.
Following an NHRU board meeting earlier this week, Clifton said it was vital to "put Hunter rugby and Hunter clubs first" in making any decision.
The Wildfires last featured in the Shute Shield between 1995 and 1999.
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