Coronavirus: Cairns rugby league takes steps to preserve comp
Nobody knows when the first whistle will blow for the start of the Cairns District Rugby League competition but officials have made moves to protect the integrity of the game.
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Nobody knows when the first whistle will blow for the start of the Cairns District Rugby League competition but officials have made moves to protect the integrity of the game.
The Queensland Rugby League last week extended the postponement of community footy due to the impact of the coronavirus until June 1, though that depends on health and medical advice at the time.
The CDRL is prepared to stage a season, though it likely will not look like a competition fans and players are used to seeing in the Far North.
Three options are on the table for what the competition will look like, including the full home-and-away season, one full round and conferencing.
But one thing that likely won’t change is the 11 clubs’ rosters.
CDRL secretary Pat Bailey said players would not be permitted to switch between clubs between now and kickoff.
“We won’t be clearing them,” Bailey said.
“If you signed for a Cairns club at the start of the year, you’ll play for the same club when we start later this year.
“Only new players will get clearances.”
Northern Pride players will likely return to the CDRL under the Intrust Super Cup club’s portability agreement, which allows state league players to suit up for local teams.
It could pave the way to the strongest local competition seen in years.
Originally published as Coronavirus: Cairns rugby league takes steps to preserve comp