THE Muswellbrook District Junior Rugby League Football Club (MDJRLFC) will launch its season in style next week.
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And, the Hunter Valley Group 21 organisation is bringing out the big guns, too.
Australian, NSW and Newcastle Knights great Danny Buderus, Queensland State of Origin and Brisbane Broncos star Matt Gillett and Jillaroos pair Mima Taufa and Tallisha Harden will join the celebrations at Olympic Park on Tuesday, March 10.
The event also coincides with the Rams' BHP Kicking Goals Community Day.
Between 4pm and 6.30pm, locals and visitors alike can take part in face painting, come and try clinics; enjoy jumping castles, a free sausage sizzle and cold drink; visit the Life Education Van; collect a mini football from the BHP marquee; and meet the league legends as well as Healthy Harold.
"Everyone is welcome to attend, whether you're a fan of the code or not," MDJRLFC president Johnny Marco said.
"To that extent, we'd like to thank BHP for its support.
"It's a great way to kick off 2020.
"We're expecting to have another big year on and off the field - as well as build on our results from 2019.
"Four of our international teams reached grand finals, with three of them claiming premierships.
"We'd love to replicate, or better, that feat this season."
Marco, who'll be assisted by fellow committee members Al Baker, Ben Farmer, Tanya Veljanovski, Hina Farrow, Bianca Johnston and Stacy Snewin in 2020, admitted the young Rams were well-placed to succeed again, due to their record-high playing numbers.
"We're now the biggest junior club in Group 21, surpassing the Singleton Greyhounds," he said.
"That's aided by the influx of girls in our ranks.
"In 2020, we're looking to field about 25 sides overall, including three [women's] tackle squads.
"But, that total could still rise.
"So far, we've got 220 registered kids, even though the competition doesn't start until May.
"That's a great sign for the year ahead."
Muswellbrook District Junior Rugby League Football Club 2020 committee: president, Johnny Marco; girls president, Al Baker; vice-presidents, Ben Farmer, Tanya Veljanovski; junior vice-president, Hina Farrow; secretary, Bianca Johnston; treasurer, Stacy Snewin
