NSW Rugby League chief executive David Trodden believes those involved with Dubbo CYMS are unaware just how positive the club has been for the sport in this state in 2020.
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Trodden was in Dubbo earlier this month to thank those involved with the club for their efforts in the Presidents Cup this season.
He said the Dubbo club was crucial to the success of a "flagship" competition this season while he's also thrown the Fishies an invitation to compete in a major competition again next year.
CYMS, along with the Western Rams, took part in the statewide Presidents Cup this year at short notice after a number of competitions were cancelled because of COVID-19.
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The two sides from the bush played a number of city sides as well as powerhouses from Newcastle and the Illawarra region.
"Without them and Western Division and a couple of Wollongong sides we wouldn't have had a senior competition this year," Trodden told the Daily Liberal.
"And without that you don't have that flagship (competition) that then encourages others to want to participate in rugby league.
"I think Dubbo CYMS and teams like them were absolutely critical to getting community sport happening again this year.
"I don't think the guys that played in that team fully understand what a massive contribution they've made to their sport and their community by playing in that competition this season."
Those within CYMS had targeted a place in Presidents Cup finals but inconsistent performances, largely because of such a disrupted pre-season and a number of injuries, meant they won just the two games.
If they ever wanted to play in that competition or a similar competition again they would be most welcome to do so.
- David Trodden
But Trodden was one of the many who watched the Fishies and saw them push a number of the top sides in the cup and he said the quality, if somewhat unlucky, performances is why he'd be open to have the Dubbo side put its hand up for a higher level of play again next year.
The Ron Massey Cup is expected to be revamped for 2021 and open to teams from around the state and possibly even locations like Fiji, with Dubbo CYMS one of the clubs mentioned as a possible participant.
Trodden said nothing is locked in at this stage and the NSWRL was still in the planning phase but confirmed CYMS would be welcomed.
"We haven't quite got to the end of our thinking on that but what I can say is if they ever wanted to play in that competition or a similar competition again they would be most welcome to do so because they were a wonderful addition to the competition this year," he said.
"It might do good things for Dubbo but I think they would be surprised by how refreshing some of the Sydney teams and others teams found it, to be playing new and different opposition as well."
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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.
