Rugby league left red-faced by lack of action

The impact of the coronavirus has given rugby league the chance to reinvigorate the game, but there’s fears that opportunity may have already been squandered.

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The impact of the coronavirus has given rugby league the chance to reinvigorate the game, but there’s fears that opportunity may have already been squandered.

It is four weeks since the Cairns District Rugby League cancelled the senior competition, the first time it hasn’t been held since World War II.

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CDRL clubs “unanimously” decided to stay on the sidelines for 2020, but soon after a handful of clubs began talks to get back on the field in some capacity.

But with every other sport set to return locally, rugby league risks being left red-faced.

Officials have so far missed an opportunity to experiment with formats to bring some excitement back to the game.

Private conversations with a number of rugby league officials at different levels shed some light on the ideas that could allow the sport to be played.

Nines competitions, gala days, knockout tournaments and, if the schedule allowed, games against rival clubs in Townsville if they decide to pull the pin on their local season.

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Instead of thinking outside the box and delivering some rugby league, the majority of Far North clubs risk being left behind as rival associations power on to find a way to get on the park.

The appetite is definitely there for rugby league.

And still, it appears there’s been little push to get rugby league moving and stem the risk of a major exodus as those rival sports push ahead with their competitions.

Minutes after the CDRL’s decision was made public on June 1, FNQ Rugby clubs hit social media to offer those players a home.

Other sports did similar across both men’s and women’s competitions, picking at the bones of rugby league clubs as only a handful of remaining players keep training with the hope they can play the game they love.

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It’s a free kick for AFL Cairns, a competition which already has a strong supporter base and now won’t have a major rival for airtime.

Rugby union’s history with league is well-known, while football, hockey and netball will all thrive with more of the spotlight - and more potential players.

At least three CDRL clubs and the Northern Pride have discussed ways they may be able to get back on the field.

They could be on the field as early as July 25 to allow for two weeks of contact training, but it still appears as if any return is stuck in the “idea” phase.

Townsville and Mackay will make a call in the next 24 hours as to their seasons, but already there’s talk of a Townsville club joining Mackay’s competition to allow for more games and to keep players on the paddock.

For the good of rugby league in Cairns and FNQ, officials must find a way to get back on the field, or their greatest rivals will pick up the ball, run, and leave league lying the dust.

Originally published as Rugby league left red-faced by lack of action