LAKE Macquarie will undertake a major rebuilding program and president Jason Wagstaffe is confident the Roos will meet the criteria to stay in premier rugby next season.
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The Roos will not field a team in the top grade for the second half of the season. Instead, their first-grade side will play second grade. Second grade drop to third grade.
Left with a team of kids and others well past their prime, the Roos conceded 740 points in eight straight losses and scored just 26.
"The young guys really wanted to play first grade," Wagstaffe said. "But getting done by 100 every week at some point it is going to affect you. We believe the young players will stay on board and and we have another crop coming through the under-18s into colts next year. We are also putting in place a number of initiatives to attract players ad ensure we are competitive. This season is about hanging in there. The scores won't be blown out in second grade and we might even get a win or two."
** Newcastle is in the frame to host a Wallabies' Test against France if the COVID-19 situation worsens in Melbourne and Sydney. As it stands, the Wallabies will meet Le Bleus at the Sydney Cricket Ground in a fortnight and at AAMI Park on July 13. McDonald Jones Stadium is also in contention to host a Tri Nations Test.
** Hunter players Logan Badger, Matt Baggs, Fossie Bradford, Hamish Heeney, Taine Marchant, Bradley Miller-Simmons and Rory Ryan have been selected in the NSW Country under 19s side to play Queensland Country in the Gold Coast next month.
** Wallabies great and Hunter Rugby ambassador David Campese is conducting a junior clinic at Singleton Rugby club on Thursday.