On the success of its return to first grade in 2023, the club was hoping to re-enter the division this year.
But newly elected Drovers president Nathan Holahan said a late minute threat to player availability forced them into a change this week.
The SIRU season begins on April 27.
“Initially thought we had the strength for first grade. Unfortunately, people moved away with work commitments, so that fell through.
“We then lined up a group of Tongala-based workers, which helped us put forward a team for third grade.
“However, work commitments for the workers in Tongala made their availability to play uncertain.”
Holahan said a meeting was called on Wednesday night to make a decision on the season.
“After a good showing at training Wednesday night, we will be pressing on with the season,” he confirmed yesterday.
“It’s basically a handful of locals and a group of Tongala-based workers.
“We have some of the core group from last year, but overall, it is a younger squad that will be coached by Joe Gogarty, who has returned to coach again this year.”
As the club’s commitment to the SIRU competition was being assessed, a smaller group of Drovers players worked on their preseason game by entering the Ballarat Rugby Charity 7s event at the end of March.
While raising money for Heartfelt and Cancer Trials Australia, the Deni side won two pool fixtures against Swan Hill and Warrnambool Faith Brothers, and lost a closely fought match against the Ballarat Highlanders.
The team was bested by Northern Panthers Rugby Union Club in the semi-final and Warrnambool in the third-placed play-off to finish fourth.
“They had a good showing in Ballarat, with Joe Gogarty saying a strong squad fronted up, and if we could keep those consistent numbers for the season, we should be good,” Holahan said.
The Drovers are expected to start their SIRU season with two home games at Deniliquin Rotary Park, on April 27 against Hay and May 4 against Wagga City.
Griffith and Wagga Agricultural College are also entered in the competition.
The Drovers train on Wednesday nights at Rotary Park, with new players welcome at any time.
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