Dubbo Kangaroos president Gerald Webster is keen to discuss keeping future Central West Rugby Union (CWRU) seasons short after being impressed with the product on offer this year.
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The Roos will have three sides play in CWRU grand finals this weekend and Webster has no doubt the condensed nature of the 2020 season has played a part in the club's success.
The region's competitions were due to kick-off on the weekend of April 18 this year and run until a September 5 grand final.
But after the initial COVID-enforced lockdown the season was forced to start on July 18.
Despite the delay the Roos maintained strong numbers all year and the club's women's side and the second and third grade outfits all go into Saturday's grand final day as unbeaten minor premiers.
"I think it's a result of pre-season training and the numbers we've had since the start but the shorter season has probably contributed," Webster said.
"Everyone has been keen to hook in and everyone has been happy and that may be something that's looked at."
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The Roos' first grade side finished the regular season in second spot and was agonisingly close to also being in action on grand final day only to suffer a shattering, last minute loss to Orange City in last weekend's semi-final.
The numbers in the top grade this season were stronger than they have been in years and while Webster is aware a shorter season would impact aspects like sponsorship and gate takings on match day it's something he's already mentioned to CWRU chief executive Matt Tink.
"I think we've got to consider it," he said.
"Obviously all clubs would have to agree and there's a lot of factors to consider, things like sponsors with less games, but if it means better games and more players then we'll certainly discuss it.
"We picked up probably 20 to 30 guys this year."
That boost in depth allowed the second and third grade sides to produce the kind of results they did this season.
The third grade side advanced straight through to the decider after finishing top while the second grade outfit scored a 27-10 semi-final win over City last weekend to set-up a grand final meeting with Bathurst Bulldogs.
Webster described the women's side as "unbelievable", as the unbeaten outfit moved through to the grand final against Bulldogs in style when beating Forbes 94-0 in its semi-final.
"Three grades is a great achievement and we're really happy with efforts of the whole club," Webster said, before praising the women's team.
"There's a mass of talent and they've really gelled well. There's 17 girls and they all train and are all keen to play so it's been great for the club.
"They'll be the first cab off the rank for us (on Saturday) and Bathurst would want to be on their game."
All three Dubbo sides meet Bulldogs in their respective deciders.
The women are first at 10.30am before third grade at 11.50am and second grade at 1.20pm.
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.
