This was decided at the group’s annual meeting.

Both Hallidays Point and Camden Haven have gained admission.

Group Three secretary Barrie Smith said there was some lively and at times heated debate over Hallidays Point’s return. Taree City delegates were particularly vocal in their opposition.

Mr Smith said the Bulls claim they won’t now be able to field teams in all senior grades.

“It’s my opinion that it won’t come to that,’’ Mr Smith said.

Fourteen footballers who turned out for Taree City last year were on a list presented to the meeting by Hallidays Point of signings for 2009. Others played with Old Bar, Forster-Tuncurry and Wingham this year.

Former international fullback Robbie O’Davis was on the list to play with the Makos next year along with captain-coach Brett Grogan and another ex Newcastle Knight, Milton Thaiday.

Mr Smith said he has spoken to O’Davis, the player of the grand final in Newcastle’s 1997 triumph.

“He’s confirmed he will be playing with Hallidays Point,’’ Mr Smith said.

“He will continue to live in Newcastle and won’t be available each week. But he’ll certainly play the home games and matches in the southern sector of the group.’’

Hallidays Point also have 14 under 18s on their books.

The voting to allow the club into the competition was 18-10. Taree City, Forster-Tuncurry and Old Bar all voted against the Halliday’s Point’s readmission.

Hallidays Point had two seasons in Group Three in 2006 and 07. In the club’s last year they only fielded on side. Hallidays Point withdrew before the start of this season’s competition citing a lack of players.

Camden Haven furnished a list of 49 senior and 24 under 18s. The Eagles last played senior grades in Group Three in 2006 when the club won the premiership.

Col Dunn, who guided the club to the 06 championship, has agreed to coach Camden Haven again next year.

Clubs will nominate their grades at the group’s February meeting.

“At the moment we have eight clubs all fielding three grades,’’ Mr Smith said.

“We’ll have to see now if that’s what we end up with.’’

Should there be an eight club first grade competition next year a final five will be played.

However, if the number is reduced to seven or six then then four teams will contest the final series.

- Mick McDonald