Grant, an Orange local, went on to say he was not the only one impressed with the Eagles’ match-up with the Melbourne Rising at Wade Park last year.

“(ARU CEO) Bill Pulver and (ARU general manager of professional rugby) Rob Clarke were both at the Orange fixture, and both said they hope it comes here again. In fact they said it was one of the best rugby events they had been to,” Grant said.

“We are all about promoting country areas and while I can’t promise it will come back to Orange in 2015, it is definitely on the list to consider again.”

The NRC is set to return in 2015 bigger and better than the inaugural competition last year, although that is reliant on increased support and exposure - two factors Grant said are all but guaranteed.

“From an administrative point of view 2014 went well for us at the Eagles and in general I think,” Grant said.

“We probably didn’t get as much support from the ARU as we wanted, but I know they are very enthusiastic leading into the 2015 season.

“As far as I know it will be the same format as last year, but that still needs to be finalised.

“The more coverage and support we get the bigger the competition will become.”

Grant, who will continue his tenure as general manager this year, said his Eagles are set to return to the field a much improved unit. 

After finishing the 2014 regular season in second before losing their semi-final to Brisbane City, Grant said the Eagles will begin preparations earlier than last year in a bid to claim the 2015 title.

“From the Eagles’ perspective we’re looking to be very proactive and come mid-January we will have started to recruit players and all that sort of thing,” he said.

“I’m really looking forward to the 2015 season, and continuing to promote the sport and rural rugby.”