Group 11 secretary Paul Loxley insists it's not time to panic but confesses the situation for a number of clubs and under 18s player numbers is concerning.
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Each club gave an update of their situation at Sunday's Group 11 board meeting and while no immediate decision was made, Loxley will conduct a ring-a-round closer to the opening round for another update.
If the situation for a number of clubs hasn't improved by then action may be taken.
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"It's certainly concerning," Loxley said.
"I don't think anyone foresaw this issue coming to Dubbo. Smaller places like Nyngan and Narromine have always struggled but when Macquarie can't get numbers and Westside is relying on players from out of town it's fairly serious for our competition."
Loxley will get in touch again with each club on April 14, two weeks out from round one.
The Group 11 constitution currently demands all clubs field four sides - first grade, reserves grade, under 18s, and league tag - or they can't compete in the competition.
That could be changed however for "whatever is best for the game" but Loxley doesn't want to see too many clubs not run out under 18s side in 2019.
"If say a Narromine or another side can't get juniors then we don't want to have two sides.
"The other option is whoever plays those sides just plays Tens that weekend."
The main thing for Loxley in the near future is to get in touch with the Dubbo and District Junior Rugby League in order to dig deeper into the issue.
"Just to explain and discuss the circumstances," he said after only three sides contested last season's under 16s competition.
"We need to put something into practice to ensure transition from the under 15s or even an under 17s or 19s into first grade.
"I'm sure they (DDJRL) are feeling as concerned as we are."
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Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
