Bryson Luff believes the Castlereagh League is one of the most well-supported competitions in the bush and he wants more people to see that passion in 2020.
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The Castlereagh League is one of just two competitions in the Western Rams region - the other being the mid-west based Wallerawang Landscaping Cup - to go ahead this year.
Luff, the competition secretary, and the board met with with the six clubs still keen to push ahead with a season and a 10-round competition starting from July 18 was locked in.
The Binnaway Bombshells, Dunedoo Swans, Baradine Magpies, Coonamble Bears, Cobar Roosters and Gilgandra Panthers are the clubs which will take part while Gulgong, Trangie, and senior league defending premiers Coonabarabran are the clubs which have withdrawn from this year due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"It certainly shows the passion of the clubs and the smaller towns," Luff said.
"It shows how much it means to them and the players. I am proud we're still going."
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The league tag and youth league competitions will also go ahead however there is no guarantee Baradine will field a juniors side this season.
There will be 10 rounds of action before semi-finals on September 26 and 27.
The grand final will be played after the October long weekend on October 10.
As well as striving for premiership glory, the six clubs which are taking part are doing their bit to ensure the long-term viability of the competition and rugby league in their towns.
Luff said the majority of clubs had already been approached by players from competitions which aren't going ahead this year - the likes of Group 11 and Group 10 - looking for a game.
But the clubs and board were united on Sunday when discussing the matter.
"If it was to happen to a large extent then locals wouldn't get a run and they might not play next year," Luff said.
"We've put a cap on it. Every club can see the big picture and they can see they might win a premiership but there's no benefits for the long-term.
"The cap is three but I'm hopeful all the clubs won't even reach that. To their credit, clubs have knocked back players and I hope they continue to do that."
Keeping each of the clubs with a strong core of local talent will also ensure the passion on game day remains.
There is still a little uncertainty around crowds but Luff said he is working on the assumption people will be allowed in on July 18.
If there was to be a new outbreak and restrictions were tightened again and no crowds were allowed the competition will be cancelled, Luff confirmed, but there's more optimism than pessimism among the clubs.
"I think per capita, our crowds would mean we're one of the best supported competitions in the bush," Luff said, while also speaking about restrictions.
"You can have the one person per 4 square metres and there's big grounds so I don't see it being an issue. Plus we'll have people sitting in their cars and social distancing at most grounds.
"Every club has a COVID officer and they're responsible for maintaining that distancing."
All clubs have already begun training so the only thing left for Luff and supporters now is to wait that little longer for a round one kick-off.
The senior competition shapes as a wide open one due to the absence of Coonabarabran.
The Unicorns won their first senior premiership in stunning fashion last year when going through the season undefeated.
The Baradine Magpies' league tag side heads into this modified season as two-time defending premiers while Cobar won the youth league title in 2019.