The Newcastle Knights have revealed plans to increase their presence on the NSW Central Coast in a new partnership between the NRL club and the region's rugby league governing body.
The new-look Central Coast Crusaders team will play in the NSW Cup while the Entrance Tigers will play in the Bundaberg Red Cup competition, formerly known as the Jim Beam Cup, in a system that could give youngsters a pathway to the Knights' first grade side.
The Crusaders side will be selected from elite local players and Newcastle contracted players not involved in NRL or Toyota Cup matches.
The Central Coast previously competed in the NSW Cup under a joint-venture agreement with the Melbourne Storm while the Entrance Tigers are also no stranger to NSWRL open age competitions having won the 2007 Jim Beam Cup.
Melbourne pulled out of the partnership this year after deciding to enter its own team in the NSW Cup.
Country Rugby League general manager Terry Quinn believes the new link-up will prevent talented junior players being lost to other codes.
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