Group 11's 2021 season has been cancelled and the Castlereagh League campaign is gone after NSW Rugby League made the decision to call time on all remaining community-based competitions this year.
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In a directive delivered to Group 11 and its clubs on Tuesday - communication all competitions still holding out hopes of completing a finals series come October or November received - the NSWRL said it was a difficult decision to cancel all of the remaining regional NSW competitions but due to the latest Public Health Orders there was little choice.
While the NSW Government has recently announced easing to some restrictions in various areas of NSW, the NSWRL has been advised the Public Health Orders do not allow for organised or competitive community sport to recommence.
The present ambiguity relating to vaccination targets and related requirements for community sport was another key factor considered by NSWRL before confirming the cancellation.
The news will also spell the end of the 2021 Group 10 season and Woodbridge Cup, both in Western Rams division.
The Group 11 junior rugby league made the call to abandon its final series just over two weeks ago.
"I thank all stakeholders for their tireless efforts in trying to get community football back on the field but unfortunately it is no longer feasible," NSWRL Head of Football Robert Lowrie said.
"While COVID has thrown up many challenges to our sport.
"I thank all our participants, officials, coaches and fans for their contributions this season.
"I urge them to stay safe, observe the COVID-19 safety guidelines and look forward to seeing them back in action in 2022."
The call will be a bitter pill for a lot of Group 11 clubs, with the 2021 season the last before a new premiership, pitting Group 10 and Group 11 clubs against each other, is launched for 2022.
Shawn Townsend's CYMS Fishies finished on top of the Group 11 ladder when the season was put on hold with only a points differential splitting them and the Wellington Cowboys.
No decision has been made on how to honour the sides who finished first in 2021.
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