Representatives from Group 11 clubs will be able to raise questions relating to possible future competition structure change at the competition's upcoming AGM.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Potential changes to senior rugby league in the Western Rams region has been a hot topic in recent weeks and the NSWRL board discussed the matter at a meeting on Wednesday morning.
A statement from NSWRL stated it "did not consider a motion to change any competition structures in Western New South Wales or to exclude teams from competitions" at the meeting but it did look at a discussion paper considering various options relating to what competitions in the region could look like in the future.
The NSWRL's western area manager, Peter Clarke, put a proposed change of structure forward at the most recent Western Rams meeting and it will again be discussed at both the Group 11 and Group 10 AGMs.
Clarke will attend both those meetings on November 8 to start the consultation process.
READ ALSO:
The proposal was put together following the release of the One State NSWRL Strategic Plan, which featured among its objectives a plan to restructure the state into six zones which preserve historical structures but create more efficient competition possibilities.
Nyngan Tigers president Glen Neill aired his fears about the potential change earlier this week after Clarke attended his club's recent AGM to inform them they may not be part of a combined senior league featuring clubs from both Group 11 and Group 10.
But NSWRL is adamant no change would be made if it was detrimental to any club.
"The NSWRL board wants to enhance structures and competitions and is supportive of any proposal that the local rugby league community is also supportive of," the NSWRL statement read.
"The board will not impose structures on the local rugby league community that they themselves don't support."
Group 11 president Bob Walsh was part of the board meeting and he said it was his own personal feeling nothing would change ahead of the 2021 season.
Walsh said one proposal was a 12-club league where teams played each other once during a regular season to minimise travel.
That didn't feature Group 11 clubs Nyngan and Narromine as well as a Group 10 club, believed to be the Blayney Bears, and he said he couldn't see that being a popular option.
"It will still be investigated but if clubs don't want it then it won't happen," Walsh said.
"You talk to some clubs at different times and some want to and others don't.
"Nyngan is a definite no, I think Narromine is a no. Wellington have said if Nyngan and Narromine are out than they're out.
"The sticking point with most of it is Nyngan and Narromine having to go and play Castlereagh League. That's where the problem is."
Forcing clubs to another competition is the reason Walsh expects the proposal to be rejected.
"I can't see it starting next year. I think we'll stick the way we are," he said.
Walsh added he can understand frustration within the local rugby league community given the lack of concrete information in recent weeks.
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.
