This weekend sees the highly-anticipated return of the RFL's Regional Leagues, when the Yorkshire Men's and North West Men's Leagues kick-off for the 2022 season.
This year’s Yorkshire Men's League will be comprised of 102 teams across 85 different clubs, that will be split from the Premier Division to Division 7C - ten different leagues in total. 2022 also sees the introduction of new teams Harrogate Hawks, Rycroft Hammers, Derby Elks, former NCL side Underbank Rangers and the returning Castleford Panthers.
Five of the ten divisions will kick off on Saturday, March 5 with fixtures in the Premier Division, Division 1, Division 2 and Division 4.
This weekend's curtain-raiser for regional Rugby League includes plenty of captivating fixtures - last season's Premier Champions Siddal Academy host Division 1 runners-up Fryston Warriors, while Sharlston Rovers welcome West Hull in what's set to be a huge clash in Division 1.
Division 2 newcomers Greetland All Rounders and Newsome Panthers will lock horns in their opening game, and a Huddersfield derby awaits in Division 4 as Underbank Rangers take on Kirkburton Cougars.
The full fixture list for this year’s Yorkshire Men’s League can be found by clicking HERE.
Former Bradford, Swinton, Keighley and Oldham star Richie Hawkyard, who is now a player/coach at Newsome Panthers, said: "This season we have been moved up to Division 2, but nothing changes for us.
"With the season starting this Saturday, I don't think it will get much tougher than an away trip to a very strong Greetland team."
He concluded by having his say on the other teams in Division 2: "We know it’s going to be a different challenge and a lot more competitive but, as a team, we're looking forward to the challenge."
Former Halifax player and RFL Match Official Jamie Bloem, who will take the reins at Greetland All Rounders, commented: "We know this season will produce new challenges to us as a squad and coaching staff. This group of players have a very special bond and strength to us, as well as a good crop of youngsters.
He has also had his say on the Newsome game this weekend: "Titch (Richie Hawkyard) has them playing some really good football, with him being a general dummy half, we know we will have to be very strong and disciplined to keep him under control."
We're all set for an enthralling season of Rugby League action in the Yorkshire Men's League.
Across the Pennines, the 2022 North West Men's League also gets underway. With 70 entries across seven divisions, two brand new entries into the competition include Liverpool Lizards and Wyre Warriors.
There's also the addition of Askam ARLFC and Walney Central, having previously competed in NCL and Barrow & District leagues respectively.
With all seven divisions kicking off this weekend, some fascinating fixtures await with a number of local derbies to whet the appetite.
Bury Broncos host Folly Lane, Wigan St Judes A welcome Wigan Bulldogs, and Higginshaw travel to Oldham St Annes A.
North West Men's League Chair & Community Board member Stuart Prior said: "With the removal of Covid restrictions, we look forward to the return of normality in our competition once again.
"2022 promises to be a really exciting year for Rugby League at all levels, and I wish all clubs the very best for the season ahead."
The full fixture list for the what is set to be an intriguing season in the North West Men's League can be found by clicking HERE.