But fears about just how long that pain will last are likely to remain until more artillery arrives at Tomaree Sporting Complex.

The Blues slumped to a 80-8 loss at the hands of minor premiers Maitland on Sunday in their last game of a torrid 2010 campaign - which included only three wins, 18 losses and the competition's second-worst defensive record. On Sunday Relf was missing around 15 first graders to injury, relying on a handful of open graders to back up for first grade and lost flyer Rhys Cutbush to a broken leg.

"There was probably a sense of relief after that game, it felt like just one too many games for us," he said.

Despite what it looked like on paper Relf said he and his men enjoyed the season, encouraging him to sign a further two-year contract with the option of a one-year extension.

His plans for the club's playing future include securing the signatures of quality front row and a back row forwards. But that will not involve extravagant spending.

"We are what we are and we pay what we pay," he said.

"We don't want to slip out the back door owing players money in a couple of years.

"I used a lot of local kids this year and next year might be the same. There is no use being successful if it means you have to go out and buy a first grade team."