Six sides are involved in the women's competition with five in the men. Manning Hockey's competition director Tony Lewis described the response to the league from both associations as 'encouraging'.

Tigers, Chatham, Sharks and Wingham will be the Manning representatives in the women's division along with Port Thunder and Camden Haven from the Hastings. Sharks, Chatham and Tigers will be joined by Thunder and Camden Haven in the men.

Minor premiers will move straight through to the grand final, with the sides finishing second and third playing off for the other position. On odd years the men's minor premier will host the grand final, with the women's minor premier hosting the decider in even years.

Mr Lewis said the competition will be controlled by an autonomous committee made up of representatives from both associations.

A penalty shootout will be held should games end in a draw.

"Both sides will get two points with the winner of the shootout getting an extra point,'' Mr Lewis explained.

Mr Lewis said all premier league games in Taree and Port Macquarie will be played on Saturdays in the prime 3pm and 4.30 time slots.

He expects reigning men's division one premiers Sharks to be the main contenders for honours from the Manning but thinks the women's competition will be open.

"The Hastings clubs in both divisions will hit the ground running,'' Mr Lewis added.

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"Their preparation hasn't been as disrupted as it has been here.''

The Manning Hockey Centre was closed for more than a month while damage caused by the March flood was repaired, meaning sides were unable to train.

Mr Lewis said there are no plans to make the hockey league a season-long competition at this stage.

However, expanding the league to include sides from Coffs Harbour and even Grafton has been discussed.

"If that was the case we'd play a series of games at each centre on the one weekend,'' Mr Lewis explained.