In their third year in the southern competition, the Blacks are looking to build on what has been a steady improvement after winning one first grade game in 2013 and two and a draw in 2014. Club treasurer Rick Lyddiard said he ees the need for a ladies side as paramount.

"Our girls full contact side and our under 17s both played in Illawarra last season and logistically it was a nightmare," Lyddiard said.

"Last year we had to have first-aiders and club officials in two or three places at once and more than once we had our seniors playing away on Saturday and the girls were playing a lone game at home on the Sunday - we just don't want that happening again.

"While a few of the girls are still keen to play tackle, we are impressed with what we have seen of the ladies tag in Group 7 and I know we will be able to attract a few more girls, including a couple of NSW Touch reps, so we are changing direction.

"It will also mean we will be able to have four grades at home on the one day, which will be tremendous for our supporters."

The Illawarra League have been circling and made two attempts to lure the Blacks back to the fold.

"We had talks, but at this stage the South Coast Group 7 competition suits us much better - they have done the right thing by us and we are committed to staying there."

Lyddiard was confident his young side, under the continuing guidance of brilliant playmaker Mark Simon, will continue to improve.

"Mark has been superb and we have Ben DeBritto [son of premiership-winning 1995 third grade coach John] coming back from Avondale, while Corey Dunn will also return after a stint with Wests.

"It's actually 50 years since the Blacks won the first grade premiership and while I'd like to say we can make the semis next year, we will just keep building and take it one step at a time," Lyddiard said.