The Leeton Phantoms won't be fielding a first grade side in 2021

However, the club has been given special approval to field a third grade side and a women's team.

The club has been training for some time as pre-season rolls on, but in recent weeks it started to become more evident the club would struggle to field the two senior men's teams.

Last year the Phantoms contested the second grade division, in what was a COVID-affected competition, but came away with the premiership.

Many of the players in that team have now moved on from town or returned to their clubs which weren't playing in 2020.

This has meant a heavy decrease in the number of personnel available on the ground for the club to field a first and second grade side.

While disappointed, club president John Hill was pleased the Phantoms would still have a presence in 2021.

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"We're looking forward to having our men compete in third grade and of course the Dianas in the women's competition," Hill said.

"We'd like to thank Southern Inland for their understanding with this and the other clubs in the competition as well.

"Our focus will now be on rebuilding the club and coming back again with more teams bigger and better next year."

What this means now is more players are still required to make up the third grade side.

The Phantoms have a top-notch coaching panel in 2021, including Paul Hoffman, Matt Allen, Quinten Longhurst, Dave Troldahl and Stuart Stout.

Hoffman in particular is a huge asset for the club having played professional rugby in South Africa.

"What we need now is people to come along to training and pull on the boots," Hill said.

"We're aiming for it to be a social year, having some of the older guys players mixed in with some of the younger boys to give them an opportunity as well.

"We would welcome anyone to come and play, even if you haven't played in a while or at all." The Phantoms train twice a week. For more information contact Hill.

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