This will not include premiers Macleay Mustangs.

The Mustangs were excluded from the competition by the group management in October after losing all criteria points following incidents during the season. However, the club was given permission to address Sunday's Group Three annual meeting held at the Wingham Services Club. Macleay was voted into Group Three at last year's annual meeting after previously playing in Group Two. This followed overtures from the Group Three management.

Kempsey Shire mayor Liz Campbell was one of the club's representatives at Sunday's meeting along with former club president Mike Spalding, secretary Bruce Cain and president Willy Lockwood. Mr Cain and Mr Lockwood were both elected at the club's annual meeting held last week.

Mr Spalding, Cr Campbell and Mr Cain all spoke at the group meeting. The club also put forward a submission that went to every Group Three club along with members of the management.

Mr Spalding said Macleay's annual meeting was well attended and he said there were great enthusiasm within the club regarding the 2015 season. He said the committee had to act quickly to prepare for the group annual meeting as it was only elected four days previously

Mr Spalding said that Kempsey needs rugby league and he feared a number of players would be lost to the game if Macleay is excluded.

He was the inaugural president of the Mustangs and spoke of the pride the people of the Macleay have in their football club.

"It is every important for us that our club continue,'' he said.

He added that the new committee would work to ensure past mistakes weren't repeated. Mr Spalding said he would act as a mentor to Mr Lockwood and the committee.

Cr Campbell said a rugby league club is provides 'a breeding ground for leaders' and that the Mustangs were an 'integral part of the community,' adding that the rugby league club helps 'build community cohesion and cooperation.'

Mr Cain the club would ensure all players attend a workshop before next season where all requirements and behavioural standards would be explained 'point by point.'

Mr Cain said the club would also appoint a media officer who would be in charge of all social media. He said the committee would take charge of the club's Facebook page adding that it was never sanctioned by the club.

"It will be monitored hourly,'' Mr Cain said.

The club was found to be in breach of the National Rugby League code of conduct regarding social media following posts that appeared on the Facebook page following the group's presentation in September. The posts were later removed.

Mr Cain added that the club would also ensure players undertake a referees course so they would better understand the rules.

He was asked by what action Macleay might take if the vote went against them playing in Group Three next year.

Mr Cain said the club would seek advice from the Country Rugby League.

"We're desperate to get back into the competition. We don't want to miss a day of it,'' Mr Spalding said in his final address.

The four left the meeting after the lunch break and were not in attendance when the group's general committee voted on whether to allow Macleay into the competition.

The sole media representative was also asked to leave before the decision on the vote was announced. While the matter wasn't discussed again after the result was known Group Three clubs later adopted a seven club draw. The draw didn't include Macleay.