Wyong Roos withdraw from senior competition due to COVID-19 impacts
It’s been a tough decision for the club, but the Wyong Roos have announced a withdrawl from all senior competitions for 2020.
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Wyong Roos have made the devastating decision to withdraw from all senior competition in 2020.
The Wyong Rugby League Club Group made the announcement to its members on Friday afternoon, citing the economic downturn and restrictions associated with COVID-19.
The board made the decision to conserve the financial wellbeing of the club and cut all non-essential expenditure including its senior teams in the Central Coast Division Rugby League competition.
“The decision effectively means Wyong Roos will be withdrawing from all senior rugby league competitions in season 2020,” the club posted on social media.
“The decision was a difficult one; rugby league is the beating heart of the club. However, it is a decision that had to be made in the best interests of the group as a whole.”
The club stated that before the pandemic, the group employed more than 350 people and provided funding to more than 30 sporting bodies.
“The fixed costs across eight licensed clubs is substantial. Future revenue is uncertain.
“The reality is that normal trading will not resume for some time. There are unavoidable costs associated with operating a football program. The club was not prepared to compromise on certain costs relating to the health and safety of players.”
The club expressed its disappointment, saying the 2020 season was shaping up to be a successful year.
Pre-season highlights included defeated Dubbo CYMS, qualifying for the semi-finals of the Challenge Cup and defeating the Maitland Pickers in a first grade trial.
“Wyong Roos has experienced many difficulties in its long history,” the club stated.
“COVID-19 is the battleground of the current generation. The players, staff and management will meet this challenge. Rest assured Wyong Roos will be back.”
They highlighted that the decision only related to seniors, with juniors on schedule to resume training on July 1 and competition on July 18.