McDermott's first season was highlighted by a large financial turnaround while his second saw Group Nine as one of the very few rugby league competitions that went ahead in 2020.

Andrew Hinchcliffe has stepped into the role after two years on the committee.

The former Temora and Kangaroos coach is looking forward to building on the platform left by McDermott as Group Nine returns as a nine-team competition in 2021.

"Pete was looking to step back and it was always the plan to do a couple of years," Hinchcliffe said.

"He's contributed a lot in the last couple of years and was looking to take a bit of a backwards seat. I just want to continue to be proactive and do what we can to promote the game in the region."

After assuming the top role, Hinchcliffe wants to focus on ensuring there are good numbers and interest in the competition across the region.

Especially after Cootamundra did not apply to take part this season.

"Going forward it would be good to see continued interest in rugby league in the area and hopefully we can continue with good numbers while trying to protect those remaining clubs to ensure there is good, healthy footy for the future," Hinchcliffe said.

"At the front of everyone's minds these days is there are lots of competing priorities for rugby league and we need to make sure we are taking opportunities to change and evolve where we can to make sure we protect clubs."

McDermott will remain on as a board member with Ian Close to serve as vice chairman for a third season.

Group Nine have also welcomed three new faces onto the board.

Young coach Nick Hall, Group Nine juniors chairman Bernie Delaney and Michael Woolbank have all been added after no new applications were submitted at the annual general meeting in November.

Hall and Delaney will remain in the current roles and Hinchcliffe is confident the trio will bring new skills to the current board.

"I'm really happy with the new additions," Hinchcliffe said.

"Nick Hall comes with some significant experience as a player, from an administration perspective in the juniors and from a coaching perspective as well.

"He comes with a wealth of knowledge and is a real good addition and we've already seen him have some good, positive ideas.

"Bernie Delaney is a massive contributor to rugby league in the area as a sports trainer, with the local junior development programs and he is still chair of the junior board.

"We are looking to work with the junior system and look for opportunities in that space to create cohesion so Bernie brings a lot of experience and is a great addition and we've also had Michael Woolbank join the board.

"Michael played back in the day with Turvey Park, served on the judiciary last year, has some experience on other (education) boards so his guidance and maturity is going to be really healthy for the board."

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