Yass Magpies to spend another year in the George Tooke Shield

A lack of numbers meant Yass was forced to withdraw from the Canberra Raiders Cup last week.

"We just didn't have enough players to field three sides," Wylie told the Tribune on Monday.

"In the Raiders Cup you need a first grade side, a reserve grade side plus an under-18s otherwise you can't compete, and we just didn't have that much interest at training."

With former George Tooke powerhouses Binalong moving west to compete in the Woodbridge Cup this year, the second-tier competition is wide open.

"I think it's still going to be really competitive. Boorowa and Crookwell aren't going to field a side I don't think, and they were the only two weaker sides last year."

An addition to the six-team competition is the ANU Grizzlies outfit, which is expected to perform strongly.

Wylie added he was excited about taking the reigns in 2015.

"I was asked last year but decided to play for Binalong," he explained.

"I haven't [ever captain-coached before] but I'll just take it step by step and try to get the team together and ready for the season, which starts in the middle of April."

Administrators at the Black and Whites had pinned their hopes on gaining exclusive access to ten Canberra Raiders Toyota Cup fringe players this season, but that bid was rejected at a meeting with the other clubs last week.

"It's a bit dissapointing that Yass won't appear in the Raiders Cup competition, but everyone is excited about the George Tooke season and keen to compete in that competition again."

He said the fitness levels of his players is very promising so early in the season.

"Everyone seems really keen at training and we are looking pretty good so I think it's going to be a big year for us."