Five questions with ... NSWRL regional manager for Western Tim Del Guzzo

The NSWRL regional manager for Western took on the role during the 2022 season, a year when he also moved to Orange.

The first season was a success in many ways. Most importantly, on the field was a tight contest between the two competing groups.

Even if you took away the conference system, the ladder ended up with four clubs from each group in the top eight.

The finals series was unpredictable and one of the littler towns (Forbes) came through to upset some more favoured teams.

The Under 18s was possibly the most contested junior competition in the state. Grand final day saw the 5th ranked team take on the 6th ranked team. There aren't too many age group competitions where that would be the case.

Obviously, there are still some issues to work through off the field, namely the addition of reserve grade and league tag, but overall the concept has been a winner in season '22.

This decision will be largely left to the Peter McDonald Premiership clubs to decide.

They will get their say at a special meeting in October where we are expected to decide the format for next season. There are pros and cons to both ways.

There were too many gaps in the draw this year in both reserve grade competitions and the 'trial games' that were expected to happen between clubs on crossover weekends didn't really eventuate.

One of the positives was certainly the individual group grand finals which generated great support in Bathurst and Dubbo and led to a couple of exciting Western Premiers challenges on Peter McDonald Premiership grand final day.

The draw is probably the big one.

Just looking at getting the right balance of crossover between the groups, easing the travel burden on clubs where possible and making sure our major centres like Orange, Bathurst and Dubbo see rugby league each week.

Having the smaller towns win the whole competition reinforces the point of not only the strength of the inaugural competition but also how the PMP/Tom Nelson truly encompasses the whole region.

It's important for us as a region to have a strong rugby league presence in all corners of the region, in both the bigger and smaller centres.

I must say though, all clubs, including the bigger ones, have been fantastic at embracing the concept. I loved seeing Orange CYMS heading over to Nyngan and Dubbo Macquarie traveling to Lithgow for games.

Love it. It's been everything promised. Beautiful scenery, amenities and people. The town loves its sport and there's a real community vibe which is important to my family as we love to be involved in community.