Reigning champions Lambton Jaffas FC will host reigning premiers Maitland FC to kick off the 2023 NPL Men’s NNSW competition.
Northern NSW Football announced the draw for its 2023 premier competitions on Tuesday, including its top tier men’s competition.
Lambton downed Maitland 1-0 in a fiery and controversial grand final at No.2 Sportsground in October, with Jaffas to welcome the Magpies to Arthur Edden Oval to start the new campaign on Friday 3 March.
Next year will see the 10th NPL Men’s NNSW competition played, with New Lambton FC added as its 12th team.
The finals series structure will remain unchanged.
Elsewhere in round one, Broadmeadow Magic FC will host Weston Workers FC at Magic Park, Cooks Hill United FC will take on Lake Macquarie City FC at Fearnley Dawes Athletics Field, Edgeworth FC will travel to Darling Street to face Newcastle Olympic FC and New Lambton FC will make their NPL debut when they host Charlestown Azzurri FC, with those matches all to be played on Saturday 4 March.
Adamstown Rosebud FC will take on Valentine FC at Adamstown Oval on Sunday 5 March.
NNSWF General Manager Football Operations Liam Bentley said he looked forward to an exciting 2023 NPL Men’s NNSW season.
“Last year was one of the best NPL Men’s NNSW seasons we’ve had so I’m really looking forward to the competition celebrating its 10th anniversary in style,” Bentley said.
“We’ve got another new team in the competition this season with New Lambton FC deservedly promoted to NPL status.
“Maitland and Lambton Jaffas have been the benchmark sides for a couple of seasons but there are so many strong clubs across the competition now which is great for football in our region.
“We wish everyone all the best for the 2023 season.”
There will also be special commemorative rounds for Female Football Week and NAIDOC Week as well as a Respect Round.
NPL Men’s NNSW match days will feature first and reserve grade matches only, with the youth component of NPL Men’s NNSW moving to the new Premier Youth League Boys competition.
Northern NSW Football have also entered a partnership with World Sport Action group to launch Squadi as the new competition management system for NNSWF premier competitions.
Download the Squadi app to provide easy access to results, player statistics and fixture changes for any teams you follow from youth through to first grade.
For help on how to download Squadi and find your team click HERE
The full 2023 NPL Men’s NNSW fixture list is available HERE
The full 2023 Premier Youth League Boys Division One fixture list is available HERE
2023 NPL Men’s NNSW Round 1 Fixtures
Lambton Jaffas v Maitland FC – Arthur Edden Oval – Friday 3 March – 8pm
Cooks Hill United v Lake Macquarie City FC – Fearnley Dawes Athletics Field – Saturday 4 March – 2.30pm
New Lambton FC v Charlestown Azzurri FC – Alder Park – Saturday 4 March – 2.30pm
Broadmeadow Magic FC v Weston Workers FC – Magic Park – Saturday 4 March – 4.30pm
Newcastle Olympic v Edgeworth FC – Darling Street Oval - Saturday 4 March – 5pm
Adamstown Rosebud FC v Valentine FC – Adamstown Oval – Sunday 5 March – 2.30pm