A look at how Group 11's first round might have panned out

There's little on the TV and about as much happening around the local grounds and courts.

Today's edition of the Daily Liberal should have been filled with all the news and results from the opening round of the Group 11 season.

But that's not the case. Rugby league, like almost every other sport, is currently on hold but the Group 11 board will be meeting with clubs on Monday to discuss what a modified 2020 season could look like after the NSWRL gave the green light to a mid-July return.

But we're not going to look at the coronavirus pandemic and what has meant for the winter sports here.

That's been done at length already.

Here and now we're going to have a bit of fun and look at what could have happened on the weekend had this pandemic never happened.

There was some bumper fixtures which were originally scheduled to kick-off the 2020 Group 11 season and this is how we think it might have gone.

Predicted headline - Powyer stars in return as Fishies set the platform

Everyone expected CYMS to be one of the best side's again this year but after Wellington won the 2019 title and a number of clubs went on major off-season recruitment drives, the Fishies had flown under the radar to an extent.

But they would have proved they were still the real deal in a commanding opening round win over a Jets side lacking a little match-fitness and one still searching for its best combinations.

The Jets showed promise and heart, as they always do, and would have pushed CYMS in the first half but the host's class would have come to the fore and the power provided by captain-coach Jarryn Powyer and Jack Kavanagh would have overwhelmed Dylan Hill's men.

Powyer, who was shattered to miss last season's grand final due to suspension, scored a double in a 40-8 victory and was relentless in his work in attack and defence throughout an 80-minute performance.

Hill remained upbeat and while admitting there will be results like this for his young side at times in 2020 he's certain there will be much improvement to come.

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Headline - Ronayne realises work is needed while Smith gets one over his mates

A really highly-anticipated match. A rebuilt Macquarie led by first-time captain-coach Alex Ronayne travelling to Larkin Oval to take on a Tigers side whose off-season was far from smooth.

But with a fantastic home crowd on hand the Tigers showed the drama caused by the brief Warner brothers era caused no trouble as replacement captain-coach Jeremy Smith started his reign with a win.

Smith was electric from dummyhalf but it was another former Raiders who decided the match, with two 40/20s and another masterful kicking performance from Josh Merritt ensuring the Tigers fought back late to score a 30-20 win.

Smith kept things circumspect post-game, saying it was only round one and a lot could happen between now and finals but he was pleased to start with a win and get one over his former side.

It wasn't all doom and gloom for Ronayne though as there was a lot to like about the performance and it was clear with some more time together this side could be a genuine threat in 2020.

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Headline - Spacies' returning son soars to help stun the premiers

An opening round shock. Parkes proves it will be the real deal this year while Wellington looks a little scrappy and disjointed in its first match since winning the 2019 decider.

Despite there being another big and proud home crowd on hand at a warm Kennard Park the Cowboys are made to pay for a number of errors.

Justin Toomey-White is solid in his return and even gets a try, earning the biggest cheer of the day, but the hero is undoubtedly Jake Dooley.

Dooley, back at Parkes after a successful stint in Group 9, scores twice and is a constant threat throughout. He floats around the field a little, even shining during a stint at fullback when Sam Dwyer is taken off with a minor injury worry. Don't worry though Parkes fans, he should be right for next week.

Dooley's double, a calm showing from halfback Chad Porter, and a vital performance from a forward pack led by Tago brothers, Lewis Dwyer and, maybe best of them all on the day, Jack Medlyn leads the Spacemen to victory.

Parkes gets it done 28-22, the score looking closer than the game actually was.

Frustrated Toomey-White says his side needs to quickly cut out the errors and he's right, this Wellington side is still loaded with quality, while Dooley was all smiles post-game and said he's thrilled to be back with a Parkes side he has the utmost belief in.

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Magpies enjoy a weekend training session before president Matt Coleman has everyone back at the Post Office Hotel for one of the club's hugely popular bonding sessions.