Group 11 clubs and their counterparts all over the state may have more of an idea how their competitions will look this year following a NSW Rugby League (NSWRL) meeting on Wednesday morning.
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Group 11 president Bob Walsh is on the NSWRL board and will part of the meeting, which will focus on potential return dates, competition structure, and club and competition finances.
Walsh stated all planning at this stage was being done to ensure 2020 season went ahead, although they would be modified compared to previous years as the coronavirus pandemic continues to have a major effect on the sporting landscape.
"It's going to have to be different," he said of rugby league in the state.
The Group 11 competition was originally scheduled to start this coming weekend but Walsh stated in a letter sent to all Group 11 clubs earlier this month he was hopeful play could begin from July 1.
That is already being pushed back, with a mid-July start now the goal for many of the state's winter sports.
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NSWRL chief executive David Trodden is one of the representatives from a number of winter sports who have been meeting regularly to discuss timeframes and competition structures.
"There's eight or 10 sports like rugby league and netball and they're hoping for mid-July," Walsh said.
"We've got plans but it's all governed by health regulations.
"I couldn't see country rugby league start without spectators, not like the NRL.
"There's been a lot of suggestions put forward ... length of competition and structure and things like that."
In planning for a structured competition the Group 11 board had discussed a six-round season and then finals but the lack of playing each side home and away would have an adverse effect on clubs' gate takings.
Another who has made a suggestion is Forbes Magpies president Matt Coleman.
Coleman recently devised a combined Group 11 and Group 10 competition where the 15 competing clubs would be split into three pools, with geography and rivalries taken into account.
Teams would play each other once in their respective pools before the top sides advance to a four-round knockout competition where the last team standing claims the title.
Walsh had only seen that proposal on Monday morning and while he wasn't giving too much away, he said it was pleasing so many in the game were doing their bit to help out.
"He's probably just a frustrated publican with not a lot to do at the moment but it's good people are doing this and it's what you want," Walsh said.
"The Group 11 board makes suggestions to clubs but the clubs run the group and we're not going to make them do anything they don't want to unless we're told we have to."
Walsh has also been in contact with a number of Group 11 clubs in regards to their finances.
Concerns have been raised about sponsorship with so many businesses in this region and all over the country having taken a severe hit during the ongoing lockdown.
"That will be discussed on Wednesday morning," Walsh said.
"The cost of running competitions will be taken into account. Not every club is in the same boat but everyone might have to be the same this year."
Player contracts and payments will also be discussed at the meeting, with Walsh expecting most clubs and players to be renegotiating deals before any potential start to the 2020 season.
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Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
