Central's Phil Williams is completely against it and Maitland's Matt Lantry is all for it while others fall somewhere in between.
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Newcastle Rugby League coaches have expressed mixed reactions to competition changes, which centre around Central Coast clubs Wyong and The Entrance joining first grade in 2021 as part of an expanded 10-team, 18-round season.
Major premiers also now advance to meet title winners from Illawarra, Sydney-based Ron Massey Cup and a wildcard in a conference-style President's Cup at the end of the year.
NSW Rugby League recently sent an email to clubs outlining the proposal, which has already been supported by the Newcastle RL board re-elected at this week's annual general meeting.
Butcher Boys mentor Williams "disagrees" with the move.
"As a club we'll play whoever we have to play, but I think it's wrong," Williams said.
"We're supposed to look after our own district first and what about the Central Coast competition."
Lantry, who was at the helm of the Pickers this year as they claimed a one-off statewide crown during the COVID-19 period, backed the concept.
"It's a great thing for the game. Shows growth, progression and takes the current competition to another level," Lantry said.
"Ten teams is the perfect number. Wyong and The Entrance strengthen the standard week-to-week."
Cessnock coach Todd Edwards, who steered the Goannas to a Newcastle RL grand final win in October, feels Wyong and The Entrance will have an "advantage" only fielding their top side and not lower grades.
With the Roos and Tigers not playing reserves or under 19s on game day, incoming Souths mentor Matt Kennedy says the Lions have "issues" about taking away a "whole club focus".
Men's open, women's tag and women's tackle are optional next year, combining with existing Newcastle Hunter Community Rugby League competitions.
Lakes' Robbie Payne and Macquarie's Steve Kidd both embrace the shift while Wests' Todd Lowrie pointed out "heavy recruitment".
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