LISMORE will field a new-look team in its first game of the season in Far North Coast rugby union this weekend.
The Greens had a bye in the first round which gave them time to host a season launch ahead of an away game against Ballina on Saturday.
"We're going to be a young team and there will be a good amount of players coming through from under-18s," club president Peter Everingham said.
"We've been training at Hepburn Park in Goonellabah and we were a bit worried about numbers after the floods.
"It was great to have an extra week to do a proper season launch and we'll have enough numbers to fill teams in first and second division."
Everingham said it was important to get back on the field after the recent floods.
The Greens have been slowly building after trial games against Lennox Head and Richmond Range.
"The whole community needs to have sport going again and we have an important part to play in that," Everingham said.
"Lismore is a sporting town and it really thrives when there are multiple teams across a number of sports who are doing well.
"Ballina will be a tough one first up but we're not expecting any easy games this season."
Ballina had a first-up win 31-22 over Lennox Head while Wollongbar-Alstonville defeated Casuarina 29-19.
Elsewhere, Bangalow looks set for another big season after a 26-7 win over Byron Bay.
Second division will also be competitive this season with the likes of Casino, Evans Head, Mullumbimby, Richmond Range and Yamba playing in it instead of a separate village grade.
Southern Cross University was hopeful of returning after 12 months on the sidelines but will have to sit out another season due to lack of numbers.
Meanwhile, a returning Ron Cox will share the Lismore coaching duties with first grade centre Cody Johnston.
Cox coached City to consecutive premierships in 2003-2004 and also took them to a grand final in 2009.
He has been mainly in the background at seniors since the clubs last first grade premiership in 2013.
"I've coached junior teams for a lot of years and some of those guys are playing first grade now," Cox said.
"I've got a good feeling about how the season will go, we've got good numbers at training and the young boys are really keen.
In other games this weekend, Wollongbar-Alstonville host Byron Bay while Casuarina plays Bangalow.
Mitchell Craig
Australian Community Media journalist with over 10 years' experience in providing quality news and sport stories.
Australian Community Media journalist with over 10 years' experience in providing quality news and sport stories.
