The draw for the competition was released yesterday with the loss of Tocumwal to the Picola League responsible for the full fixture.

The league’s general manager, Dale Norman, said the focus for the first month of the season was to maximize crowds.

“The Easter fixtures will continue with a couple of changes,” he said.

“Four games, instead of five, are scheduled for Good Friday while two games will be played on Easter Saturday.

“With Tocumwal moving on, Congupna will play Mulwala Easter Saturday at Mulwala while Numurkah, which had an Easter bye the last two seasons, will play at Rumbalara.

“Echuca United will unveil its premiership flag on Good Friday in front of a holiday crowd when it hosts Moama.

“We have Finely at home to Deniliquin on the Saturday night but they are re-developing their grandstand and that game may have to be moved.”

Norman said the loss of the bye had received a mixed reception.

“Some coaches like the week off mid-round,” he said.

“It gives players a chance to get over niggling injuries, so they saying they will need to manage their list better.

The home-and-away season, over 20 weeks, will have two general byes for an Interleague match and a city-country clash.

The season starts on April 12, a week ahead of the Easter fixtures.

It will culminate with grand final day on September 20.