Clubs complete COVID-19 safety training ahead of community rugby league return

The countdown is on to the return of community football and the NSW Rugby League has revealed the number of teams preparing to play again.

Ku-ring-gai Cub Rugby League siblings Jess (11) and Callum (10) Erdem are excited to play for their teams again once the community sports ban due to COVID-19 has been lifted.

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Young footballers are counting the days to their return to the pitch with NSW Rugby League confirming more than 90 per cent of clubs have successfully completed their COVID-19 safety training.

In a boost for the return of the sport, the NSWRL said most districts and groups have committed to playing junior, senior and Blues Tag competitions.

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The Sydney metropolitan area has seen all 11 junior districts and 10 senior districts commit to playing, while another nine districts have committed to Blues Tag competitions.

July will also see the return of the NSWRL’s multicultural program Try League for children aged 4-9 years from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Communities.

Junior Rugby League kids Jayden Hoban, Zayne Armstrong (right) and Sunny Ganderton (centre). Community sport bosses in NSW are eager to resume games after the state government announced they will be easing the restrictions on July 1st.

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A trio of eight-week programs will be run at Fairfield from July 23, Glenwood from July 23 and Bexley from July 24.

Also preparing to return are players in senior competitions including the Harvey Norman NSW Women’s Premiership, the Sydney Shield and a President’s Cup, with an expected start date of July 18.

“I understand that 2020 has been a challenging season for everyone across the state but I’m thrilled to see the clubs who have committed to playing,” NSWRL Chief Executive David Trodden said.

The NRL is already back but one of the few major leagues playing so far. in

“The COVID-19 Return to Play protocols are straightforward and easy to follow but most importantly have been designed to ensure the safety of all our players, officials and volunteers, and the wider community.

“We made the decision this year not to close off registrations to give everyone an opportunity to get back on the field and enjoy rugby league again and I can’t wait for the season to commence.’’