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ANOTHER attempt to establish a permanent rugby union presence on the Northern Beaches is likely and a joint venture with a rival code hasnt been discounted. Mid North Coast Rugby Zone administrator Des Hoy confirmed a consultation and planning process existed and his organisation would give as much support to all parties thats needed. Getting enough players to make the team viable is going to be the least of their worries but somebodys got to drive the show, he said. Finding officials to do the work is the difficulty, as well as keeping them interested in the job. Like any sport, you live and die on having a solid administration and these days its hard to find people willing to put in the time. But the Zone will send delegates to any meeting thats held and give all the encouragement they need. Club rugby to the immediate north of Coffs Harbour has had a stop-start history in recent years with Woolgoolga White Pointers the most recent incarnation. In a short period playing in Far North Coast Zones second level village competition the White Pointers enjoyed a measure of on-field success with several semi final appearances, but struggled to retain administrative and support staff after 2008. Far North Coast has always indicated they wouldnt stand in the way if a Woopi club wanted to move back to the southern region and when you look at Coffs Rugby historically, a club has always been planned for up there, Hoy said. When Coffs Harbour moved back the two clubs set up were Beaches to serve the northern side and Harlequins to cater for the town and southern players. However, circumstance forced that to change but the idea has always been about and just imagine the size of the crowd if a Coffs side met a Woopi team in a local derby. The White Pointers shared Centennial Oval with AFL but the future establishment of a field at the new West Woolgoolga sportsground and two rectangular fields at Moonee as part of the citys long-term Sporting Masterplan has sparked suggestions a joint venture with rugby league could be a possibility. Seahorses secretary Paul Dwyer isnt rushing to embrace the concept, but he isnt discounting it either. The suggestion of sharing players across codes is an interesting idea that has been raised several times before without catching on, he said. Many issues including registration and insurance would have to be worked out but before we look at rugby, theres already a suggestion of playing our own third grade comp to cater for the extra players looking for a game. But I can see some sense in ground sharing, particularly if it helps develop lighting and better facilities for spectators. Hoy maintains registration fees can be sorted out to the satisfaction of all codes, but agrees the mindset among participants is another consideration. Theres a mental barrier, especially among the older blokes, about playing the two rugby games that isnt necessarily shared by players and that could be another stumbling block as well, he said. But I believe having the discussion is worthwhile and hope progress can be made. The Northern Beaches continues to develop at a steady rate and development among a range of different sports is part of that.

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