The Fingal Bay Bomboras, with major sponsor the Shoal Bay Country club on board for the third consecutive season, will again field senior men's and women's teams in their respective premierships.

The men's team will have the double act of Dean Carney and John Gutherson, who won a premiership for the Bomboras in 2016, at the helm, while the ladies will be coached by Blaine O'Flaherty, a former Irish international.

Club secretary Nathan Dover said that registration numbers had been strong since news that the club had been approved and cleared by the NSWRL and NHCRL to return to training.

"We have in excess of 30 players for the men and 16 for the women, so we are looking forward to a strong season and players are eager to resume contact training this week.

"At this stage we are anticipating a 10-round competition with finals and grand final scheduled for September. The men will be competing in A grade, but this is subject to confirmation, while the women will again contest the league tag competition."

Mr Dover said that the club would unveil its new electronic scoreboard and ground PA system at its home ground (Fingal Oval). "We have also completed some minor renovations to the clubhouse."

"Longer term we are aiming to refurbish the entire building by upgrading change rooms and adding ladies facilities and a new canteen."

The Raymond Terrace Magpies are also gearing up for a return to the fold, with training underway at Lakeside sporting complex in anticipation of a season kick-off on Saturday, July 18.

The men's team will be coached by Brooke Roach and Craig Murray, who bring a wealth of experience to the job, while the ladies tackle team will be coached by Lindsay Ridgeway, pending numbers.

Junior rugby league clubs in Port Stephens have also be granted the go ahead to commence training for a shortened season starting on July 18 and concluding with grand finals on September 26.