More than 40 players will train for the opportunity to impress selectors for a spot at the championships which will be hosted by the Newcastle Hunter club on March 27 and 28.

Dave Schmude and Jason Lincoln will be coaching the side.

Both are very experienced and competitive coaches and their presence provides a real opportunity for the zone in 2010.

Training commenced yesterday, with another session to follow on Sunday before resuming on February 20. The side will train on Tuesdays and Thursday throughout March, with the season to possibly kick off with a match against Central North on March 6.

Players will then represent their clubs in the Armidale Knockout before facing Central West on March 21, ahead of the championships a week later.

The Guyra players in the squad are. Liam Vaughan, Dan Brown, James Lenahan , John Adams, Rob Ivey, James Toalima, Paul Sheather and Jeff Richardson.