The NSWRL rugby league competitions allowed to return on July 18th
The NSWRL confirmed some 100,000 footballers across the state will be able to recommence playing under strict guidelines - but nine heavyweight competitions have been shut down for the year.
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Parents could be forced to undertake a variety of restrictions at junior matches, including standing 1.5 metres apart, as grassroots rugby league now gears up for a shock July return.
The NSWRL has confirmed some 100,000 footballers across the state will be able to recommence playing on July 18 if the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic continues to decrease as expected.
Despite the welcome news, it is understood clubs could be required to enforce a range of social-distancing measures, which includes sanitary requirements and limiting the number of people at local grounds.
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Elsewhere, a Fijian side set to compete in the 2020 Ron Massey Cup has also withdrawn from the competition.
On Wednesday, the NSWRL board established a blueprint for restarting competitions from Under-6s through to Open age, coinciding with a common date agreed upon by various winter sports bodies.
Under the proposal, clubs would be allowed to resume training on July 1.
Only nine competitions across NSW have been shut down for the year.
Those cancellations include Canterbury Cup, Jersey Flegg, SG Ball, Harold Matthews Cup, Andrew Johns Cup, Laurie Daley Cup, Tarsha Gale Cup and the Country Championships for both men and women.
All other community football is set to return however.
Among those senior leagues given the green light are Ron Massey Cup, Sydney Shield, the Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership and all bush competitions across the State.
NSWRL chief executive David Trodden said the decision to work towards a shortened season from July would be further reviewed and confirmed by June 1, subject to NSW Government advice.
Trodden added the decision took into consideration that a NSW Public Health order which currently prevents grassroots sport from being played will expire at on June 29, unless further extended.
With the NSWRL return date still 13 weeks away, it is unknown what measures grassroots clubs will have to undertake to ensure the health and safety of players and spectators.
While the NRL has employed a bioscience expert to determine safety measures – which could even include blood testing and regular temperature checks – the NSWRL continues to take its advice from the NSW Government.
Trodden has also been meeting regularly with the heads of other sporting bodies to determine a proposed return date for rugby league players across the State.
The July 18 comeback will also align with the commencement of Term 3 in the school year.