The announcement was made by NHRU officials yesterday after Singleton ended a two-year absence from the top tier, alongside Maitland, by agreeing to re-admission conditions for the 2015 season. 

The two clubs, the only outfits in ­premier division west of Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Port Stephens, famously claimed a combined eight of nine first grade titles from 1991 to1999.

The Blacks and the Bulls also play for the Sarroff-Gresham Shield ­annually, with the holders defending the ­silverware at each home match. 

Blacks president Ben Emmett ­welcomed the news of Singleton’s return and said it was the best thing for the competition, as well as rugby union in the region.

“We welcome them back into the competition,” Emmett said.

“We do respect them as rivals and believe this helps keep country rugby alive within the Newcastle competition.

“I think they will offer strong competition and we wish them all the best.

“With that said, the niceties will be put aside as soon as we step onto that field and start playing,” Emmett said.

“We will still be looking to beat them every time we play them.”

Singleton decided to drop back to the Newcastle and Hunter Rugby Union lower divisions after finishing 2012 with the first grade wooden spoon. 

Since then the Bulls have won back-to-back B-grade premierships and last year’s A-grade title.

Maitland could lose several players back to Singleton, including Nathan Brennan and Lachlan Gulliver, and Emmett was adamant that the Blacks would still be keen to get one over their old foes from up the New England Highway.

The last match between Maitland and Singleton saw the Blacks reign supreme 58-5 at Marcellin Park on August 18, 2012. 

Before that, in the 1990s, both clubs dominated the top grade competition, winning all but one first grade grand final between 1991 and 1999.

Maitland (1991, 1994, 1998, 1999) are still the last club to win back-to-back deciders in first grade, while Singleton (1992, 1995, 1996, 1997) remain the last team to have won three straight. 

Next season’s draw is now set to ­follow the Bulls’ announcement with NHRU president Phil Coles about to work through a new-look 11-team ­competition. 

The 2015 season will begin on April 11.