RUGBY LEAGUE
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GROUP 6 Rugby League has confirmed the draw for the 2016 first grade premiership season.
The draw was confirmed following discussions with club officials.
The meeting was held only a matter of weeks after the successful 2015 grand final at Campbelltown Stadium.
Ten teams are preparing for the new first grade season.
All sides are finalising coaching positions for 2016 in all senior grades.
The opening round will be held after the Easter long weekend, with matches to be played on the weekend of April 2 and 3.
Derbies will be held throughout Group 6.
The Moss Vale Dragons will travel to Mittagong Sports Ground to face rivals Mittagong Lions.
Narellan will welcome 2015 runners-up Camden at Crane Oval.
The Oaks will make the short trip west to Sid Sharpe Oval to face Oakdale Workers.
Reigning premiers Picton will face neighbour Thirlmere at Thirlmere Sportsground.
Campbelltown City will host Appin in another local derby,
The teams will have a break over the Anzac Day weekend.
But football will continue on the June long weekend, in a change to the traditional schedule to the season.
The final break for all teams will be in early July, with five rounds to be played before the finals start in August 2016.
Group 6 Rugby League media officer Mike Shean said next season was already exciting, with many clubs appearing to be in contention for 2016.
"Picton will arguably be the team to beat, but teams like Camden, The Oaks, who were very impressive late in the season, Mittagong and Narellan will all be knocking on the door" he said.
"However, the clubs who finished down the ladder last season will be keen to improve.
"There's not much gap between teams likes Thirlmere, Campbelltown City, Oakdale, Moss Vale and Appin and the rest.
"The season will be exciting, with a high quality of football seen throughout the group every weekend, as all 10 teams battle for the first grade premiership again in 2016."
Pre-season matches will be played before the start of the 2016 season.