Rumsby has described the First Division as being in a “sad state” and believes a root cause of the deep-seated problems is the disturbing drop in the number of players segueing from junior to senior football.

Bulldogs coach Sean Hayne concurred with that assessment.

Rumsby said the player drain had a ripple effect up the grades and – in the case of the First Division – was badly affecting its quality.

Rumsby, who steers one of the strongest sides in the competition, questioned Country Rugby League in terms of the development work it was doing in high schools.

“I’d be interested to know how much development work in the country we’re doing at high schools,” he said.

“You live in Tamworth,” he added.

“How many NRL players have you seen visit Tamworth recently? “What are we doing?”

The ill health of the First Division has been a long-standing concern, with the issue increasing flagged this season due to the disturbing gulf between the three leading sides, Narrabri, Gunnedah and North Tamworth, and the remaining sides, South West, Collegian and Wee Waa.

Rumsby said: “What we’re struggling with at the moment is we’ve got six sides in First Division but we’ve still only got four under-18 sides.

“We all know people get older. If we haven’t got 18s coming through, we’re going to lose First Division clubs.”

He added: “So I’m concerned. Look at Narrabri and Gunnedah. We’re smaller towns, yeah, but we’re really trying to ensure we’ve got 18s teams that filter through to the reserve and first grade sides. Without them (an under-18 side) you don’t end up with a (first grade) football team.”

Given there are 11 Second Division clubs and only six First Division clubs, Rumsby said: “What do we want for Group 4? Do we want a Second Division or a First Division competition?”