After much conjecture over recent weeks, Central Coast Rugby League (CCRL) has tentatively confirmed all its competitions will be proceeding in some capacity come July.
The decision comes following NSW Rugby League’s (NSWRL) announcement that grassroots league has been greenlighted to return from July 18.
Prior to that announcement, serious concerns were held over how the CCRL’s 2020 season would pan out with clubs under significant financial duress due to the coronavirus crippling sponsor revenue.
CCRL President, Gerard Andrews, said those concerns still stood and that it would be up to individual clubs to determine if and how they participated in the season.
“CCRL wants to assure the community that all of our competitions will be going ahead from July 18 with clubs able to reconvene training from July 1.
“How clubs proceed with this season will be based around their individual financial viability and player numbers, but all clubs that have the means to do so will absolutely have the chance to play,” Andrews said.
With a new start date now agreed, local clubs can begin assessing in what capacity they’ll be able to participate in the season ahead but will need to keep in mind that the start date is still subject to future Public Health Orders and other government directives, with NSWRL to provide another formal update about the status of the season on June 1.
This week, Woy Woy Roosters Club President, Tim McParlane, confirmed that, notwithstanding the recent decision by the Easts Group to permanently close the Woy Woy Leagues Club building, the junior and senior playing groups will continue to field sides in the local grassroots competition.
“The club will go forward despite the loss of a clubhouse, history and many jobs.”
The club will continue to play at Rogers Park in Woy Woy.
Source:
Press releases, Apr 22-May 5
David Trodden, NSWRL
Interview, May 5
Gerard Andrews, Central Coast Rugby League
Reporter: Dilon Luke