With relatively low numbers at training the club is not confident at this stage that they can field three sides.

The first round kicks off on April 12 with Yass scheduled to play Goulburn at Walker Park.

To date only the first grade side appears to have sufficient numbers. The side looks very competitive with a number of new players on board. The Magpies have recruited well in the off-season, with the inclusion a couple of New Zealand and former premier division forwards. Yass will field one of the strongest packs in the competition. Their ability together with the slick backline of the last couple of seasons points to success for the Magpies in 2008.

However, once we get past the First grade side, numbers drop off. To ensure the magpies are eligible to compete in 2008 the club must field more than one team. The future of the club lies with our junior players, both in reserve grade and the under 18s. With four weeks to go before kick off, crunch time is upon us to come up with enough numbers. The club urges all those players who said they were going to play and have not yet come to training to get there this week.

To play for the Magpies means you play for your town. Remember how proud we all felt when we won the competition only a couple of seasons ago. Well, we could feel that way again in 2008. But we need your help. If you want to be part of a great tradition and wear the Black and White in 2008 then put your hand up and dust off the footy boots and get to Walker Park.

Don’t forget, tune into Yass FM 100.3 each Saturday morning from 9am to catch up on all Magpie news.