Orange Eagles on track to field side in Basketball NSW Spalding Waratah State League women's side

Basketball NSW requires clubs to have a certain amount of Level 2 qualified referees and while Orange remains slightly short of meeting the criteria, that appears to be the only major hurdle left in gaining final approval.

That process remains in the works, but in anticipation of finding a solution and the governing body then giving the final nod, Paul Masters has been named to coach the women's side with Steve Maier his assistant.

The Eagles were scheduled to hold their first trial and training session - for both the men's and women's programs - on Thursday night, and Masters said all signs are positive in the bid so far.

"Hopefully we can fill that criteria as soon as possible and get final approval but it's all looking pretty positive at the moment, a women's senior side is something Orange has needed for some time," Masters said, although it's not 100 per cent clear if Orange has fielded a side before.

"We need it in place to give our juniors something to aspire to and work towards, somewhere to go basically. Before they'd get to under 18s and only be able to play in the club competition, or they'd have to go somewhere like the Bathurst Goldminers to play.

"That number of referees is the only worry at the moment, it looks like we'll have a pretty good side if everything goes to plan. We've had a lot of good juniors in the last couple of seasons, so they'll hopefully get their chance to play at the higher level."

The Eagles' injection into the competition could also mark Sophie Heta's return to the competition, with the former Newcastle Hunters and Bathurst Goldminers star a chance to headline the outfit's 2020 bid.

Although it remains unconfirmed if Heta's locked in just yet, as a former NCAA division one star with Troy University the experience she'd provide and influence she could have on a youthful group can't be underestimated.

The Eagles men's side is primed to build on their return season in 2020, with Jamahl Zegzula retaining his role as coach. The Eagles finished ninth in division one's southern pool with two wins.

The Goldminers have also kicked off their bid to return to the men's competition in 2020 after being denied entry last year, with strong player interest leading to this weekend's trials at Bathurst Indoor Sports Stadium.

Matt Chapman, who's organising the men's trials, said numbers are strong, although there's no word yet on whether the Goldminers will also attempt to return to the women's competition.

"Last year we got excited too early and unfortunately Basketball NSW denied us entry but this year that's no problem, there's already been plenty of interest," Chapman said.

"We're looking at around 30-plus guys who have expressed interest in coming to the trials. Within that there's some names who will more than likely make that roster but I'm quite happy to see them trialling for Bathurst.

"The ones I'm really glad to see are our juniors who are coming through the ranks. There's some who last year played for a different club who are quite excited to be coming back to the Goldminers again."

Bathurst's trials will be held on Sunday from 4-6pm, and should the dream be realised it will be the first time they've fielded a senior men's side in a statewide competition since 2016.