The Magpies Rugby league club has been in crisis and did not field any teams in any senior grades this season.

Group 19 rules state all clubs need a first grade team to be eligible to compete in the competition and the Magpies had only four players who were willing to don the black and white in first grade for 2016.

An extraordinary general meeting took place three weeks ago to dispel rumours circulating around the town regarding the future of the Magpies and to look at re-igniting the senior club for next season.

As a result of that meeting Mr Grob is now the new club leader.

Mr Grob said the club has a completely new committee with 20 non playing members that will be 100 percent focused on getting the club back on its feet.

“I have been very happy to have the support of the local community for the formation of this new committee,” he said

“As proof that the town wants rugby league to be here the club has received sponsorship of $30,000 so far, on the proviso that the club forms a senior team next year.

“The new committee of the Magpies is committed to doing everything that we can to make the club a force to be reckoned with in the 2017 season.”

Mr Grob said the club has a new enthusiasm and is seeking to create a positive narrative for the coming season.

“We have to be really positive moving forward because of what has happened over the last few seasons,’ he said.

“We want to move right away from all the negativity that has surrounded the club and focus on what will make the club great again.”

Mr Grob said one of the first things on the agenda is to assure locals that the team will field a majority of Glen Innes players.

“We know there are players playing out of town who will come back to play for us next season,” he said.

“However, we do recognise that we will need to employ a captain coach who may well be from out of town, but we will still look for someone who is local if possible.

“For example there may be a bloke who is working at the wind farm who fills the criteria that we are looking for, these things will all be explored and no stone will be left unturned in our search for a good quality leader.”

Some club supporters have blamed Country Rugby League New South Wales (CRLNSW) for a lack of support for country clubs like Glen Innes and poor fixture planning with long distances to travel to play games.

But CRLNSW CEO Terry Quinn disputed those claims and said they do offer assistance to country clubs. 

“There are over 500 clubs playing in Country Rugby League and we offer assistance in many areas,” he said.

“We will work with the Magpies’s to assist them in making a return to the competition in the near future.”