The Port Stephens side joined forces with foundation Newcastle Rugby League club North Newcastle in 1989 and played the following decade as North Nelson Bay.

They changed to the Northern Blues in 2000, moved their playing base from Anna Bay to Tomaree Oval and won the 2005 premiership under that banner.

For the past four seasons they have played as Nelson Bay but with that change came troubled times on the financial front.

A failed sponsorship deal and lack of community and volunteer support almost broke the Blues, but president Ray Fewell said they are finally kicking some goals off the field.

"We held a meeting on Wednesday night to discuss some of the concerns that players and sponsors might have had with the club," Fewell said.

"It's been a tough time for the club over the last year with a well-documented sponsorship falling over and some issues with council.

"We didn't owe a great deal but we've completed all player payment obligations, and we've got a new sponsor on board.

"There has been some negativity around the club and we just wanted to assure everyone next year will be a great year to be involved with the Northern Blues."

Coach Robert Relf signed on for his fifth season as coach but they have lost NSW Country front-rower Simon Osborne to Western Suburbs.

Outside backs Haydon Topliss and Tim Slater returned to North Queensland at the end of last season and they are searching for replacements.

"We've got a few players that we're talking to but no one signed at this stage," Fewell said.

"We've kept all the players from last season except for Simon Osborne, so that's another positive for the club.

"James McCabe is the club captain and the backbone of the team, so having him here certainly helps."