Taree Touch (TT) sides had to resort to alternative locations to prepare for this weekend's northern conference matches of the Junior State Cup in Port Macquarie.
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With torrential rain across the Mid Coast this past week, the Flames' regular training fields at Taree Rec Centre were closed.
TT president Graham Goodwin said players found new training bases across town.
"We had the 10s girls training on the netball courts, the 10s boys at Chatham High and the 16s girls at Taree High," Graham said.
The bureau predicts rain for the start of the tournament on Friday, mostly sunny conditions on Saturday and scattered thunderstorms on Sunday.
The word from organisers is the event will go on.
"It's going to be pretty boggy but there will be alternative fields to play on," Graham said. "It would be such a big event to cancel so NSW Touch is working with ground staff and the council to make sure it goes ahead."
The Flames will feature in the under 10s to under 18s divisions in both girls and boys. Eleven referees will also make the trip.
Graham said the 'grubby' nature of fields could hinder some sides from playing their natural game.
"I do expect a lot of dropped balls and some of the older boys who like to step will be hindered," Graham said.
At the Northern Eagles titles in Tuncurry last month, Taree's 10s and 16s girls won their divisions while the boys 10s, 12s and 14s were runners up in their respective grand finals.
However, Graham can't pinpoint which sides could go the distance in the State Cup.
"It's pretty hard to tip but it would be nice to make the top four," Graham said.
The conditions could also create an even playing field when regional teams take on stronger city sides.
Powerhouse Manly will be the side to beat.
"They are in the top echelon when it comes to touch, have hundreds of kids and about 300 teams in their junior competition," Graham said.
"They can pick the best of the best for the State titles."
The top four sides in each division will advance to the State finals in Sydney.
Forster Tuncurry Tornadoes and Port Makos are among the north coast sides in the tournament.
The Flames have enjoyed plenty of game time so far in 2020.
Two weeks ago, teams performed well at the Hunter Hornets championships.
"It was abandoned on the Sunday though due to the heat - it's all about player safety," Graham added.
"Most of the sides were into the finals but unfortunately couldn't play."
