Last year’s minor premiers were unbeaten for most of the year but failed to make it past the semi-finals.

Group 21 secretary Jane Walmsley said she expected the proud club to bounce back from their disappointing exit.

“There have been quite a few changes, but I don’t think Scone will want to see the failures of last season again,” she said.

“They’ve got a good side and a lot of them will be returning, so I think they’ll do their utmost to go all the way this time.”

The first grade competition will once again include outfits from Greta-Branxton Colts, Denman Devils, Aberdeen Tigers, Muswellbrook Rams and Singleton Greyhounds.

The Colts took out last year’s grand final with an 18-16 win over the Devils at Greta Oval.

Apart from first grade, Murrurundi and Merriwa round out the Group 21 clubs.

The only clubs not fielding a side in all four divisions are Denman, Aberdeen and Murrurundi.

The Devils and Tigers have lost their under-18 teams, while Murrurundi will not have a men’s reserve grade side.

However, women’s league tag enjoyed a successful introduction to the fixture list last year and numbers are booming.

“There are a lot of young and fast players coming into the competition, so hopefully it’ll be strong again,” Walmsley said.

“Across the state, league tag has the biggest growth in Country Rugby League.

“I think it’s really helped the club’s that have the ladies team in terms of attendance figures and general interest.

“We saw a huge increase in crowd size for last year’s grand finals, which could partly be attributed to the league tag, so it’d be great to build on that further.”

The Group 21 competition will start on April 11, with Aberdeen hosting Scone.

In the Scanlon Shield preseason tournament for first grade, Denman beat Greta-Branxton 12-6, Muswellbrook edged Scone 12-6, Aberdeen defeated Singleton 36-12 and Denman beat Muswellbrook 28-12.