Dubbo CYMS was as primed as any club in bush footy for the 2020 season.
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That's why the ongoing lockdown and lack of competition has been so difficult for the club.
All clubs remain in a state of limbo ahead of a possible return to play in mid-July, which will be three months after the originally scheduled start date of Group 11.
The Fishies were raring to go, having welcomed a host of new players into the squad before again taking part in the statewide Challenge Cup competition.
The Dubbo club may have been knocked out in the second round by the Wyong Roos but that high level of play in February had them perfectly-placed to attack the start in the Group 11 season at full pace.
Instead, they haven't even been able to train together and club chairman Mick Fraser admitted it was something difficult to deal with.
"It's been very quiet," Fraser said.
"After a really good pre-season it's been tough for those players who worked really hard to get themselves in a position to start the season.
"I'm sure all the boys are looking forward to getting back out there but some things are bigger than the NRL."
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The Challenge Cup matches - a win over Moree and loss to the Roos - allowed a number of new combinations to start gelling.
Claude Gordon, having arrived from the Cowra Magpies, was developing with Alex Bonham in the halves while the likes of Jack Kavanagh, Brody Chapman, and Mark Merritt were finding their places in the forward rotation.
Former NRL player Isaac Gordon, back in the green and white after initially joining the club in 2015, had also returned.
For now things remain on hold but Fraser, speaking after last week's Group 11 meeting, said the ongoing discussion between the competition's board and clubs was a positive.
A number of options relating to the possible structure of a 2020 season remain on the table and will be discussed again on Monday night.
It is believed a final structure won't be decided on at this stage as all involved work towards a best case scenario for all involved.
"It's all positive and talk is good. Keeping communication open and doing the right thing," Fraser said.
"There's hurdles every way you look and things won't suit everyone but we've got to do whatever is best for rugby league."
Fraser was one of the Group 11 club bosses who was open to combining with Group 10 clubs in a western league for the 2020 season.
That is expected to be discussed again on Monday.
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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.
