I know trials don't mean much but most Zpl teams got up in there trails against Newfm teams. Even cardiff who got religated from zpl this year got up in there newfm trial.

The only problem that clubs will have moving up to Newfm is the age divisions. 1st grade is full of 21-25 year olds in most teams. And some reserves teams are older. Not a heap of youth !

Not to mention why would a club move up to a 2 horse race with teams all over the hunter. When they can play in a 10 horse competition with all teams based in newcastle?

Only clubs that would move up are ones that would be aiming for NBN I am not sure what ones could afford that or meet the criteria ?