Premiership winning Chatham coach Frank Birkefeld understands Wauchope will consider joining Port City, Port Thunder, Tigers, Sharks, Wingham and his side in the league in 2018.

Wauchope now plays in the Hastings A-grade. Brothers Luke and Bryce Hough are members of the Wauchope side and they also play for Chatham in the premier league. However, Birkefeld said they will be encouraged to turn out for Wauchope if the club moves into the premier league.

The premier league returned this season after a two year absence caused when the Hastings clubs withdrew. There was a change from to the format this year, with the grand final played before the semi-finals of the Hastings and Manning domestic competitions. In previous years the premier league and domestic grand finals were played within a week of each other, usually by the same sides. This was unpopular with players and coaches. Birkfeld backs the new format.

“It worked well,’’ Birkefeld said.

Manning clubs dominated the league, claiming the top four places. Birkefeld said the season was a learning experience for Port City and Port Thunder.

“I think the two Hastings clubs struggled with the pace of the game at the start of the season,’’ he said.

“It took them about four or five games to get used to it. However, by the end of the season both were competitive and they’ll improve next year for sure.’’

The four Manning clubs will now fight battle for Manning A-grade premiership honours, where Chatham are the short-priced favourites to retain the title.

Chatham defeated Tigers 4-1 in the premier league grand final, however, Birkefeld believes Wingham could be a dark horse when the Manning semi-finals roll around.

“Wingham has some  talented young players and they’re improving all the time,’’ he pointed out.

Sharks struggled this year after losing the majority of their top grade side from last year.

“They’re in a rebuilding phase,’’ Birkefeld said.