The Marlins have signalled their intention to put forward a Group 2 under 18s team at the Group's annual general meeting on November 23.

"The plan is to have a pathway for South West Rocks juniors to go to North Coast Bulldogs and the NRL," Mr Ball said.

With the SWR High Performance Centre scheduled to be completed mid-2022, the growth of the club looks to be on the up along with being the reigning Hastings League premiers after victory in 2019.

Group 2 chief executive officer Jim Anderson said all clubs will have to approve of a Marlins 18s side.

"The clubs vote who is in their competition, I've indicated to New South Wales Rugby League that if the Marlins want to join our Group we will more than accommodate," he said.

"I've sent the notification of the AGM to the Marlins and informed them what the procedure is, they'd have to link up with a club that doesn't have an 18s.

"This year Sawtell didn't have a first grade so their 18s ran around with Woolgoolga.

"If it's for the betterment of rugby league, having an under 18s and the plan they've (Marlins) got for the future, then it's a breath of fresh air."

Mr Anderson described this year's senior Group 2 competition as one of the most competitive he's seen in a while with six teams featuring in first grade.

Eyes will be on the competition next year with former South Sydney Rabbitohs premiership captain Sam Burgess announced as coach of Orara Valley Axemen. Former St George Illawarra Dragon and North Queensland Cowboy Clint Greenshields has also been confirmed as Sawtell Panthers coach. Neither sides had a first grade team this season.

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