With the ongoing COVID-19 crisis casting doubt over the playing future of community level rugby league, Group 11 Chairman Bob Walsh has reassured the playing group that the governing board is committed to returning to the fields as soon as possible.
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In a letter distributed to clubs and players in Group 11, Walsh said that there will be rugby league in Group 11 as soon as the green light is given.
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"Between now and the kick-off of the 2020 competition we need to remain positive that there will be a competition of some sorts this year," Walsh said.
"In conjunction with the clubs we will certainly plan how this will happen and what the competition will look like depending upon when our competition is allowed to start."
At present, community level rugby league is expected to run at the beginning of May, with a restart date of May 2 tentatively scheduled in.
In an FAQ, New South Wales Rugby League recently encouraged players to stay connected to their club and community and asked those involves in any non-prohibited activities to ensure they were taking care to observe proper hygiene protocols.
Walsh extended thanks to 'clubs and their sponsors' for their continued support of the game in what he termed 'unusual times'.
"As you would realise, everyone involved in rugby league, from the NRL through to our local junior and senior leagues will be doing everything they can to start competitions as soon as possible," Walsh said.
Walsh said he was aware that any delays could have knock-on effects for other sports, and acknowledged there would likely have to be a modified structure in place if a season is to take place this year.
"Given we will have a late start we will need to consider how much further into the year our competition will go and how that might impact on summer sports in individual towns."
"The next step would be for clubs and board members to participate in a tele-conference for an update and discuss our options and hudrled for a competition that may be needed to be extended or modified this year."