Kahibah FC has ended its 100-year wait to play in Northern NSW Football's top division after winning League One last season, securing promotion in place of New Lambton. The Rams went on a 15-game unbeaten run, including 11 straight wins, to top the table with 47 points and seal promotion with a round to spare. Coach Blair Newham has drawn on his experience at the Jets academy to bring in a bevy of talented youngsters, while Dutch duo Justin Houtzager and Jilles Bos add class and experience.
With changes in regulations allowing more imports, there has been a larger turnover at most clubs. The battle for talent shows no signs of abating as teams compete for silverware or survival. The competition appears split into two divisions, with eight teams vying for the top five spots. Defending champions Magic are gunning for a three-peat and remain the team to beat.
Edgeworth has been the most active club, with 13 arrivals at Jack McLaughlan Oval. Maitland and Weston have made astute signings, while Azzurri, Olympic, and Belswans are confident of improved campaigns. Cooks Hill is fresh from a history-making Australia Cup appearance, and Valentine is backing youth in a rebuild under former national league coach Lee Sterrey.
Key transfers include Magic losing Lewis Alvares, Aaran Cocks, and Sam Kamper but gaining Jakob Cresnar and Keanu Moore. Maitland has added American centreback Richard Ruiz and midfielder Luke Corcoran. Weston has signed Matt Buettner and Ryan Ensor, while Jaffas have brought in Mitch Rooke and Tom Parkes. The season promises plenty of drama at both ends of the table.
