NSW dates bring no change to QRL views

THE dates for the return of the TRL are still set in light of developments south of the border.

The TRL is set to resume on June 6. Photo: File

RUGBY LEAGUE: While news south of the border has been positive in regards to the future of rugby league, the stance of the Queensland Rugby League hasn’t changed.

After it was announced that the NRL competition would “definitely” restart on May 28, the New South Wales Rugby League tentatively announced a return date for community football on July 18.

In a statement, NSWRL chief executive David Trodden said that the date wasn’t set in concrete, and would be further reviewed on June 1 to fall in line with government advice at the time.

As for the QRL, community rugby league activity will continue to be suspended until June 1, with a hope to resume play at that time should circumstances permit.

In a statement, the QRL said the return to play is heavily dependent on the advice of government officials.

“There is no guarantee of rugby league or any community sport resuming until such time as the government relaxes these orders,” it said.

“At present, they are very similar to the orders that are restricting activity and interaction in Queensland.

The current Queensland Health Order in place for Queensland is current up to and including May 19. This order specifically limits movement/travel, social gatherings and enforces home confinement for non-essential activity.

As such the most recent advice from the QRL – that all community rugby league activity is suspended until June 1, 2020 – remains current.

As per this advice, we are continually reviewing the latest health advice and Government restrictions specifically relating to Queensland, and will provide further advice in consultation with our regions and QRL board as required.”

Should these restrictions be lifted by June 1, the Toowoomba Rugby League competition has set a start date of June 6.

While this would only give teams limited time to prepare in terms of training together, the consensus in making the decision was that playing games was the top priority.

The Toowoomba Junior Rugby League is hoping to commence its season the following weekend on June 13.

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