The first sporting domino in the midst of the coronavirus shutdown has fallen with Group 3 cancelling its 2020 competition, a move Group 10 could follow with a meeting scheduled for Wednesday night.
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New South Wales Rugby League chief executive Dave Trodden last week gave grass roots footy across the state the green light to begin planning for a July 18 return but widespread concern over the financial viability of running competitions without backing from already cashed-strapped sponsors and minus crowds was raised following the announcement.
With those concerns in mind, Group 3 is the first premiership to concede the 2020 season.
The Group 3 competition is located on the mid north coast, with teams from Port Macquarie, Forster, Old Bar, Taree, Wauchope, the Macleay Valley and Wingham, the Tigers currently mentored by former Orange CYMS captain-coach Mick Sullivan.
Group 10 is expected to determine the fate of its premiership at a meeting on Wednesday night.
Group 3 secretary Mal Drury released a statement to clubs on Anzac Day advising the senior competition will recommence in 2021.
"The Group 3 Rugby League Senior Competition has been cancelled for 2020 following a vote received from clubs," it read.
"The loss of sponsors was the major contributing factor along with the uncertainty regarding COVID-19.
"We will convene a general meeting to discuss certain issues once restrictions are lifted and we return to some form of normality."
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Nick McGrath
Editor, Central Western Daily
Editor, Central Western Daily
