The Diesels applied just to field reserve grade, leaguetag and Weissel Cup teams this season after a mass player exodus.

It has seen a number of modifications made to the Group Nine draw.

While the season will still start on April 10, the grand final has been moved forward to September 19.

The first grade draw has also been altered with eight first grade games to be played at Junee between the clubs who were drawn to tackle Diesels and to have the general bye.

President David Holt could not see a way the club could safely field a first grade outfit following the significant player losses.

He is relieved Group Nine accepted their proposal.

"It's a huge relief and one that the club is extremely grateful for," Holt said.

"We'll take this opportunity to rebuild the club, and working closely with Group Nine and NSWRL, start implementing strategies to make sure we never get in this position again."

The Diesels intend to fill all five grades next season.

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Group Nine has implemented a number of steps the Diesels must adhere to, which will be subject to a formal review.

It includes the implementation of a coaching mentor program this year, the development of a three-year strategic plan incorporating financial planning and reconciliation, recruitment strategy and policies, and a club code of conduct.

Group Nine chairman Andrew Hinchcliffe is confident the right decision for rugby league in the region has been made.

"We measured the impact of accommodating Junee's request against the impact of possibly having another club go into recess," Hinchcliffe said.

"We think we have come up with a pretty reasonable solution with the draw for this year by understanding things need to evolve and change in terms of competitions and structures for the future.

"We thought it was the best outcome for the Group and for the Junee club."

With each first grade team required to travel to Junee to play a single game outside of their club draw, a $500 travel subsidy has been granted.

Hinchcliffe is confident it will alleviate a number of concerns raised by clubs over the number of first grade byes.

"It was one of the biggest determining factors," he said.

"With the timing of this request from Junee, minimising the impact on the current draw was a really big consideration.

"We've got some significant events going on this year which we knew we needed to stick to, we've got 100-year reunions happen in Gundagai and Tumut, and we thought the minimal disruption to the draw was the right outcome while at the same time supporting Junee through some pretty tough times at their footy club."

Holt is looking to improve the club's culture with a strong emphasis placed on player and coaching recruitment.

He admitted they have a long way to go but is confident the hard work can result in a more sustainable club.

"We want to have a place people can be proud to play football for," Holt said.

"Next year we're aiming at filling 16s, 18, leaguetag, reserve grade and first grade based on the juniors coming through the ranks.

"It will be a long-term thing with a few short-term strategies put into place for the remainder of this season and then onward and upward for the future."

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