The Wildfires men and colts opened their campaigns with losses to Randwick last weekend and host Eastwood at No.2 Sportsground on Saturday. The women start their season at home to Sydney University as part of a triple header on August 1.

The NHRU have only committed to playing in the shortened 2020 season.

Men's coach Scott Coleman believes it could take three years to see the full benefit of the program, which will attract players to the region and strengthen the local competition.

"At moment we are guaranteed for one year," NHRU general manager Andy Fairfull said. "But I don't think you undertake an exercise like this unless you think there is a future as well."

To continue in the Shute Shute the Wildfires will most likely have to fill two senior grades and possibly two colts.

"The keys thing for us will be finances - you need $200,000 to $250,000 to run teams in Sydney - and convincing the local stakeholders that we are bringing players to the zone not sucking them out of the clubs."

In five weeks, NHRU board member Howard Davies secured more than $60,000 in sponsorship from local partners Elders Insurance, Hunt Hospitality, Eight Recruitment and HIC Services and Slattery Auctions.

"In future years we would probably need double that," Fairfull said.

At least eight players have shifted to Newcastle in the past month to play for the Wildfires.

"We want to make that decision before the end of the year not heading into next season," Fairful said. "We have good open dialogue with the clubs. If this helps grows the zone, why wouldn't we do it. If it doesn't grow the zone, why should we."

Up to 1250 people will be permitted at No.2 on Saturday.

The Wildfires have also launched foundation and season memberships, which include home entry and merchandise.

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