That’s the opinion of Ricky Campbell, who will captain United in the competition. Campbell was the guest on Friday Sport Talk on the Manning River Times Facebook page and was speaking on the eve of the opening match of the season against Port Pirates at Chatham Park on Saturday October 7.

Campbell has been at the helm since United for the past four years and in that time the side won four premierships. He said the nine team premier league involving teams from the Macleay, Hastings and Manning associations will provide a completely new challenge and one he is keen to tackle. He is confident United will have a strong side but added the other Manning sides, Wingham and Taree West should also be formidable. There is talk that the leading two Manning teams on the pointscore at the conclusion of the competition-proper should playoff in a Manning grand final, however, Campbell isn’t in favour of the idea.

Campbell plays for Taree Wildcats in the Football Mid North Coast Premier League and has also had a year of rugby with the Manning Ratz. He hasn’t ruled out one day returning to the Ratz, but added he’ll be with the Wildcats again in 2018. He scotched a rumour that he is interested in playing rugby league with Taree City, but added he is a supporter of the Bulls.

There’ll be no Friday Sport Talk on October 13, however, the segment will return on Friday October 20 when Country Rugby League female participation officer Kyle Hilder will be the guest from 11am.