Bryson Luff speaks with a certain amount of satisfaction when discussing plans for the 2020 Castelreagh League season.
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And you can't blame the competition secretary for that.
While the Group 11, Group 10, and Woodbridge Cup competitions won't go ahead this year there will play in the Castlereagh League.
Luff was a part of numerous meetings with clubs during the lockdown and the board was patient while waiting for latest advice but proactive enough to keep modifying plans for the year.
"Maybe they did go a bit early," Luff said of the other western area competitions.
"We've been aiming for a competition for months and the scenarios kept changing but we've been pretty optimistic and we stuck solid.
"I can understand why clubs could see it not being viable, especially when they're paying players.
"That's not a huge factor for us. Only the captain-coach really gets paid and it's not a huge sum so if we get crowds we should be financially viable."
The Castlereagh League will be a shortened 10-round season with the grand final to be played on October 10.
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Six of the competition's nine clubs will take part after defending premiers Coonabarabran, Gulgong, and Trangie all withdrew from play this year.
Luff could understand those clubs' decision but he still expects an entertaining campaign.
"All the clubs are keen and confident and there could be some surprise packets," he said.
"I'm looking forward to it. We've got 10 rounds instead of the regular 18 so that's still more than half.
"We've got no byes as well. It's going to be an intense competition."
The draw for the 2020 season was released on Monday, with the first round set for July 18.
Gilgandra will play Cobar, Dunedoo meets Binnaway, and Baradine takes on Coonamble.
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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.
