It has been a meteoric rise for West Maitland who fell as low as D-grade in 2013.

But the club has been reborn, with the Red Dogs to host Shortland at Coronation Oval on Sunday in round three of the Newcastle and Hunter Rugby League A-grade competition.

West Maitland is the junior club of Australia, NSW and Gold Coast Titans lock Greg Bird and has a long and proud history.

New president Ricky Balcombe said the club is ready to celebrate their new beginning on Sunday. 

“It’s been a long time, about seven years,” he said.

“We’ve brought in a lot of players from other clubs and built a strong side but they are local blokes.

“We’ve got a fully new committee and we’re ready to get out there.”

West Maitland were without the bulk of their run-on team for their 56-16 loss to Windale in the opening round but with their full compliment back on deck thrashed Dora Creek 40-18 in round two.

Balcombe said the playing squad had adapted well to the jump to the top grade.

“The boys have stepped up really well,” he said.

“We were only expecting to play B-grade but we got thrown into A.

“We had 10 blokes out that first week with a wedding but last week with everyone on deck we smashed Dora Creek who are one of the better teams.”

The club wants to reconnect the team and the community, with the first step being their return to Coronation on Sunday.

“We want the supporters from years ago to come back,” Balcombe said.

“The blokes that used to play here and are proud of the club and what it means.

“It is local blokes playing for the local team and we think we’ll be successful so we’d love it if people came out and supported us.”

West Maitland host Shortland at Coronation Oval on Sunday, with kick-off at 2pm.