TRL start date to be pushed back further

THE Toowoomba Rugby League board is set to meet after the latest advice from the QRL.

WAIT CONTINUES: The QRL’s latest decision means community football cannot start until at least June. Picture: File

RUGBY LEAGUE: The Toowoomba Rugby League’s hopes of resuming play on May 30 have taken another hit.

The latest advice from Queensland Rugby League pushed the start of community rugby league back a month, from the first weekend of May to June 1.

TRL chairman Rex Zeeman said it impacts their hopes of getting underway on their revised start date, however the board would look to their alternatives.

“Initially with the QRL’s decision for the first weekend on May, we looked at a May 30 start date to give clubs four weeks to train, get ready and get everyone up to speed,” he said.

“That would given us 11 weeks before the finals finishing in September.

“We haven’t had a chance to discuss things in light of the newest announcement and what that does for our competition.

“We are looking at having a meeting of the board early next week to discuss where we go from here.

“After this announcement of going back a month, we don’t know if there’ll be another announcement. It’s a very fluid situation, and hard to make concrete plans.”

Despite the delay in date, it brings a silver lining for the potential resumption of play in the league.

The QRL made the tough decision last week that saw all four statewide competitions cancelled for the 2020 season.

In a statement, QRL managing director Robert Moore said a return to play was dependent on the safety of participants and families was deemed safe.

“This review process may result in the need to reduce or extend the suspension period as outlined here, based on the advice available at the time,” Moore said.

“We know that many of our volunteers are going through their own personal challenges throughout this unprecedented time.

“What is heartening is the support that so many are providing to their members.

“We are also encouraged to hear that many of our leagues and clubs are exploring revised competition formats and playing conditions, should circumstances allow games to be played later in the year.”

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