Coach Adam Martin invited prospective players who have unable to attend pre-season training to come along for the trial and try out for a spot on the team.

All eight Newcastle Rugby League club will field Ladies League Tag teams this year as part of a revamp of the competition including dropping Open Age teams from the fixture.

“This is your last time to give it a go for the opening season of the League Tag competition,” Martin said.

“We are restricted to a squad of 25 and will be looking to finalise that in Sunday’s trial game.

“Our senior coach Trevor Ott will be coming along and helping me with the selection. The club really has embraced the team and the expansion of women’s role in league.

“We’ve had 50 players come along at stages, but regularly have had about 20 players at our training sessions.

“A lot of the women have come from touch football backgrounds as well as netball. One of the girls came along to our first session and hadn’t played touch or any similar sport before.

“She was just a natural and loves it. She learns each session and is always one of our hardest trainers.”

League Tag features 11 players on the field, two less than rugby league, and instead of tackling players are tagged by opponents and must play the ball in the traditional league style.

The six-tackle rule applies and tries can be converted for full points with a kick for goal. Penalty goals can also be taken.

Martin said it was an exciting time for everyone involved as league embraces women’s participation.

“One of the unknowns is how the game will develop. I am planning a traditional league game plan with movement of the ball to create holes in the defence,” he said. 

Martin’s wife Emma is part of the squad and said the players were looking forward to the season and being part of the club environment and all the support it offered.

The squad has been in pre-season training with the men at Coronation Oval and embraced as part of the club.

Sunday’s trial is at the lower field at Coronation Oval starting at 4pm.