After nearly 40 years in the cold, the Mendooran Tigers rugby league team will hit the field once more.

The club will play in a combined side with Dundedoo in the Castlereagh League's reserve grade and use Dundedoo's sports ground.

Mendooran last played in 1986, finishing fifth in the now dissolved Group 14 tournament.

"It's an interesting scenario," Castlereagh Rugby League secretary Bryson Luff said.

"It will be interesting to see how it works out, particularly with the combining of clubs. That might be a thing that other clubs need to consider in the future.

"Hopefully it's going to strengthen rugby league in the Mendooran and Dunedoo areas."

So far, over 25 players have expressed in interest in registering for the side.

Castlereagh League secretary Bryson Luff. IMAGE: supplied

The Dunedoo Swans won't have a reserve grade this year, so Mendooran will take them in to play under the Tigers flag.

The Swans will also take Mendooran players for its first grade and women's league tag sides.

Mendooran's sport ground won't be ready to host rugby league in 2025, so the club will for now make Dunedoo their home.

Tigers secretary Lucy Pickering said the idea to reform began with a conversation at the pub.

"Before too long we were like 'actually, this realistically could be an option for the town,'" she said.

"So we had a few meetings. We started getting expression of interest from players and volunteers.

"We got to a point where we could really justify the potential longevity of the Tigers in the Castlereagh group."

Months of planning paid off in when tournament officials in Gilgandra on Sunday 9 February accepted the club's application to join. 

The revival has gained considerable media interest. Ms Pickering had done at least six interviews in two days when she spoke on 12 February.

"We're glad that, you know, people are interested in the beautiful story that it is," Ms Pickering said.

"Dunedoo are just an exceptional club to be part of.

"They just know what it's like to maintain footy in a small town.

"It's a very important thing and gives everyone somewhere to go, it supports mental health of players and spectators."

Mr Luff said the club was a "powerhouse" in the Group 14 days, winning three winning three first grade premierships in 1983 and 1985.

The 2025 season begins in April, with Dunedoo-Mendooran first playing Coonamble.