Only a few short months ago there was a real air of excitement around the Dubbo Rhinos.
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For a club accustomed to disappointment and frustration in recent years, within the Rhinos it felt like 2020 could be memorable for all the right reasons.
"But it then obviously all came to an abrupt halt," Rhinos president Ian Burns said.
The coronavirus pandemic resulted in all the major winter sports having their seasons temporarily suspended but there is light at the end of the tunnel for the Rhinos, fellow Dubbo club the Kangaroos and others across the state after the NSW Rugby announced on Friday evening it would be aiming to have community competitions resume in July.
It is the same time-frame rugby league, netball, hockey, and others sports are working with.
"To be honest, I really wasn't confident we were going to get back this year but this gives us hope, and it's realistic hope," Burns said.
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The Rhinos were heading into 2020 having finished the past two New Holland Agriculture Cup seasons with the wooden spoon.
Battles for consistency and player numbers had plagued those in black and gold in recent times but pre-season sessions earlier in the year had Burns and many others feeling optimistic.
"Training was fantastic. Numbers were good and there were 50 at most sessions and some quality players had popped up or returned," he said.
"It was looking good"
As well as the core group and a number of youngsters who have been developing at the club, the Rhinos were also set to feature a number of Fijians this year.
Eddie Gusuivalu headlined the group while there was also real excitement around newcomer Apisai Lomani.
Lomani, a hugely promising player set to slot into the halves, had to return to Fiji prior to the lockdown and remains there now but will be back in Dubbo once travel restrictions are eased.
"It's good to have that Fijian connection back plus a good dozen new faces," Burns said.
Gusuivalu and other new faces had shown promise when the Rhinos contested the Ella 7s tournament in early March while the side also played the Nabiac Bulls in its annual pre-season fixture prior to all play being suspended.
Aside from Lomani currently being in Fiji the lockdown has had no major impact on the squad, with everyone expected back on deck any time training can start again.
But the return of any rugby, as outlined in the statement from NSW Rugby, is subject to "state and local governments lifting or significantly easing restrictions related to COVID-19".
Burns is well aware of that but he, like so many other fans, is now feeling positive about the chances of playing in 2020.
"Hopefully we can get something running and a date to aim for. We want to get out there," he said.
"It's all governed by government guidelines but I just want to see sport back.
"It's such a big part of our lives and our communities. People love sport so I'd love to see some sort of competition this winter but it's just a waiting game at the moment."
The structure of competitions in the Central West will be the next issue, but there is a chance it could be cut back from three full rounds to just the two.
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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.
