The strong response came after a Mercury article a few weeks back revealing the club was desperate to reform after folding five years earlier.

Captain-coach Josh Papworth said the club has filed the appropriate paperwork for inclusion in this season's competition and is now awaiting final clearance.

"It looks like we'll have a young men's side which is good," he said. "We have a lot of 18 and 19-year-olds who are keen. They should work well with myself and Geordie Connelly bringing the experience.

"At this stage we're hoping to come back in C Grade. Obviously, in our first season back after five years, we don't want to go into too high a grade while we're still re-establishing ourselves.

"I believe East Maitland Griffins are also looking at C Grade, which would mean we would get a local Easts-Wests derby going again. That would be ideal if it works out that way. I think all the local league supporters would love that."

Papworth, who will also coach the Women's league tag side, said they had sufficient numbers to launch a female team for the first time.

"There's 14 or maybe 15 on board. You need 11 players for the ladies tag, so we have the numbers.," he said.

"Having said that, I would still like more men and women players to come along.

"I think this will probably happen once it becomes official that we're back in the competition and which grade we're actually playing in. It certainly looks positive though."

The final piece in the puzzle was sponsorship, and Papworth said he was delighted that Telarah Bowling Club had stepped up as the club's main sponsor.

"That was a huge breakthrough. We're still looking for a sponsor or two for the Ladies League Tag team and would love to hear from anyone interested."