The short trip to Bathurst to see former Group 11 juniors in action won't be possible for those in Dubbo and the surrounding area after the Penrith Panthers announced next month's NRL match at Carrington Park won't go ahead.
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The Panthers had been scheduled to take on the Cronulla Sharks on Sunday, May 10 but the competition remains suspended due to coronavirus lockdown.
Ticketek will begin refunding all pre-purchased tickets for the match, which would have seen the likes of Dubbo's Isaah Yeo and Wellington junior Brent Naden return west while Billy Burns, Kaide Ellis, and Matt Burton were also a chance of featuring in the Panthers' lineup.
Former Bathurst junior Will Kennedy would have also returned home as part of the Cronulla side.
League powerbrokers are hopeful of resuming the competition on May 28 but Bathurst Regional Council and Panthers confirmed the NRL will not return to Bathurst until next season.
Panthers CEO Brian Fletcher said the decision was ultimately in the best interests of the club, the fans and the Bathurst community.
"Despite the challenging circumstances, I can assure you that Panthers remains steadfast in its long-term commitment to the Bathurst region," Fletcher, from Coonamble originally, said.
"We are already looking forward to bringing the NRL back to Carrington Park in 2021."
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Bathurst mayor Bobby Bourke said the decision was disappointing news for all involved as the Panthers brought with them numerous benefits every time they made the trip west.
"Each year the Panthers team undertakes community engagement activities such as the coaching clinics for children," he said.
"The social benefits from these activities contribute strongly to an inclusive sporting community."
All pre-purchased tickets for the Carrington Park match will receive a full refund.
Tickets purchased by credit or debit card will be refunded in full (including ticket insurance premium and refundable ticket purchase, if relevant) and patrons do not need to take any action.
Ticket purchasers will receive an email from Ticketek to the email address tickets were purchased from with instructions detailing the refund process.
All those who have purchased tickets should allow about 20 working days for the refund to appear in their account.
