So for him not only to accept the decision but support it shows the magnitude of the current situation facing bush footy clubs and competitions.

Toomey-White was primed to return to the field this year after having 2019 off following his battle with bowel cancer.

He was returning to a Wellington side he coached to a drought-breaking Group 11 first grade premiership but now the club must wait to defend that title.

"I was getting myself ready but there's a bigger picture," he said.

"You don't want to see anyone contract this virus because of a game of football.

"It's hard because we live and breathe football but this is a worldwide pandemic and we follow the advice of professionals."

The health risk was one thing, but the other major factor for the Cowboys was the long-term viability of clubs in Group 11.

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After losing Westside following last season the competition was down to seven and the smaller clubs, particularly Nyngan and Narromine, have been the hardest hit in recent months.

They were impacted financially but now they and each of the other clubs have time to get back on their feet and plan for a full 2021 season.

Toomey-White, the Wellington players, and the board headed by Darren Ah See know all about building a club back up.

The Cowboys' senior sides struggled for much of last decade on and off the field but a huge amount of work on the field and in the community helped them climb back to the summit of Group 11.

Last season's premiership was the first in 26 years and taking this year off will ensure the club is in the best position possible to defend that crown.

"It's about seasons in the future, as well," Toomey-White said.

"We've had to work hard to be in the position we are and we're in for the long haul."

The lack of footy this year still stings, though.

"We had ripped in during pre-season and we knew as premiers and defending our title we'd have a target on our back," Toomey-White said.

"We were preparing mentally and physically for that."

And as much as Toomey-White and his team would like to take the field they're content to miss any type of play this year.

While both Group 11 and Group 10 have been cancelled some have called for a combined competition catering for those clubs which are keen to compete.

No official word has been given on any such fixtures would work and while Toomey-White said it would ultimately be the Cowboys' board's decision, he's happy to sit it out.

"We're looking forward," he said.

"As much as we'd like to be on the field there's the bigger picture to look at."

Wellington has also withdrawn its junior clubs from the 2020 Dubbo and District Junior Rugby League competition but the under 18s outfit could still take to the field.

The exact format of an 18s competition is yet to be locked in, but a combined 10-week format featuring teams from Group 11 and Group 10 from July 18 is likely.