It was standing room only at a meeting held by Maitland Pickers Rugby League Club on Monday night to gauge interest in forming under 16 and 17 teams in 2020 and beyond.
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West Maitland Junior Rugby League president Andrew Carraro, who was invited by the Pickers to be part of the process, said about 100 people attended the night and there were more than 30 additional inquiries on Tuesday morning.
"There was a little bit of opposition," Carraro said.
"But the overwhelming majority were in support of it."
The Mercury reported last week that some people fear the initiative would be the start of a "super team" that will come to the detriment of other clubs in the Maitland area.
But Carraro said it was about working with affiliate clubs in the area, not against them and ultimately providing opportunities for young players to remain in Maitland.
"We want to try and get rid of this 'us vs them' mentality," he said. "We want to put the focus back on the kids, so they can stay in the game in Maitland.
Last year, there was only one under 17 team formed from the Pickers' five feeder clubs.
Carraro said this proposal would involve working with schools in the area to encourage kids to get involved in the game.
"There are two distinct groups - the ones who aspire to play great football and eventually move towards the NRL, and the kids who want to just play with their mates who've got nowhere to go.
"If we want to get these kids into the game we've got to move forward in a different direction.
"We're trying to be innovative in our approach."
The proposal forms part of a rebuilding phase for the club. Carraro said there had been criticism of the Pickers over the years for not sourcing local talent, but this would ensure there are better pathways to senior levels.
"It will provide a strong foundation for the Pickers," Carraro said. "Bridging the gap between juniors and seniors in the local area."
Carraro said the club had received great support from both Newcastle and NSW Rugby League and was planning to lodge the proposal with NSW Rugby League officially soon.
Prospective players can register their interest via the Pickers website: maitlandpickers.com.au.