The junior competition resumes this weekend, with more than 1700 players in age groups from under-6s through to under-18s taking to the field.

The Wildfires, which has a men, under-20s and women's teams, play their first home game against Eastwood in a shortened Shute Shield season on Saturday.

"The move is one of the best things that has happened in local rugby in years," said Hattingh, who played first grade at the Waratahs and Wanderers. "Hopefully the program extends beyond this season. It gives junior players a pathway and something to aspire to."

Hattingh praised the attitude and effort of the local junior clubs in following a COVID plan to ensure the season kicks off.

"Every junior club is supper excited, super organised and and can't wait for Saturday," Hattingh said. "We have worked really hard on our COVID plans.

"We had trial games last weekend and were able to iron out a couple of minor issues. Overall, the response from everyone has been fantastic. We have put up more barriers and signs around the canteens and have been working with the mums and dads, especially in the very young ages, to ensure they adhere to social distancing protocols. We have more volunteers and more Covid managers on board."

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