Clubs have been contacted to garner thoughts on the proposal put forward by Group Three chief executive Mal Drury.

Under 16s currently play with junior league clubs, although Group Three seniors have run an under 16s in the past.

"Mal thinks that if we take over the 16s it would stabilise player numbers and make the transition from juniors to senior football smoother,'' Group Three chairman Wayne Bridge said.

Mr Drury has circulated the proposal to the senior clubs.

Mr Bridge said he has had informal discussions with Group Three Junior League president Warren Blissett on the matter.

"Warren isn't totally against it,'' he said.

"He can see there's some merit.''

Mr Bridge said the under 16s would play under the umbrella of the senior clubs. This would impact on the Taree clubs as Taree City Bulls don't have a presence in the junior grades, where Taree Panthers and Taree Red Rovers are represented. Kempsey's junior grades play in Group Two and are also separate from the Macleay Valley Mustangs.

Ten teams contest this year's under 16s, although the numbers have been bolstered by clubs from the Group Two area playing by invitation.

There are seven teams in the under 18s. Taree City didn't nominate while Port Sharks have withdrawn. However, the Bulls expect to field an under 18s when Group Three senior football resumes next year. For this year only the under 18s are playing with the Group Three Junior League.

Mr Bridge said there could be some logistical problems with adding the under 16s to the seniors, although he added he can see merit in the proposal.

"We'd have to start matches at 10.30 and that would make for a long day, with the first grade not kicking off until 3pm,'' he pointed out.

Mr Bridge assured the group would wait until there's feedback from clubs before making a decision. One way or another he would want something in place before the Group Three annual meeting in November.

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