The mood at Thursday night's Castlereagh League meeting was extremely positive, with all clubs eager to keep moving forward in the hope of a July 18 kick-off.

The season is yet to have the final tick of approval as aspects like crowds at matches are yet to be confirmed but a sense of optimism remains.

"It was all positive and I was enthused," Castlereagh League secretary Bryson Luff said.

"We're trying to get going. Clubs are still keen to go but it depends on having crowds but we're hopeful that can be the case when we kick-off on July 18."

If the season does start as planned, it's likely to do so without the Mudgee Dragons.

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Dragons president Sebastian Flack had said after the Group 10 season had been cancelled for 2020 he was eager to look at a switch to Castlereagh for the year.

Luff confirmed there had been no mention of any potential move, adding he was happy with the current state of his competition.

"I doubt it would be receptive, that's my own opinion," he said.

"Unless it was a long-term proposal there's not much point and I'm not sure what they'd bring to our competition apart from another side.

"I'm pretty happy with how we are a small town competition. I don't know how they'd fit in."

It's also likely the Castlereagh Youth League will continue in 2020.

A 10-week Western Rams league is likely to be developed this year as under 18s sport has been give the green light to start from July 1.

Those clubs in Group 11 and Group 10 eager to play are likely to be part of the same competition while it was expected to be opened to Castlereagh League and Woodbridge Cup teams as well.

"I think we would prefer to have our own standalone competition," Luff said.

"Because of the travel and I'm not sure the clubs would be into it.

"There was no discussion about."

It also remains uncertain whether the CYMS Marlins, a planned second junior side from the Dubbo club, will be part of any Youth League.

CYMS is believed to be focused on being part of a potential western league.

The focus may purely be on a return to play within the Castlereagh League but all clubs must first ensure they comply with NSWRL's COVID-19 regulations.

These regulations, impacting protocol at training and gameday, have been developed in line with the Australian Government's 'Return to Sport' framework to limit any risk around the spread of COVID-19.

Luff said the amount of strain it would put on club volunteers was another issue raised at Thursday's meeting but added NSWRL's western representative Peter Clarke was present and provided helpful advice for the clubs setting about completing the checklist.

Once that is completed, easing restrictions means from this weekend groups of 20 will be able to train together in the hope of returning to the field next month.

"Clubs are keen so that shows individual players are keen," Luff said.

"We're quite happy to provide for fans, faithful supporters, and sponsors.

"But it's not certain yet."

That involved round one being played on July 18, with the top four advancing to the semi-finals before a September 26 grand final.

The Coonabarabran Unicorns won last season's first grade title while the Baradine Magpies have won the past two league tag premierships.

Woodbridge Cup meets on Monday night.