Two weeks from hell finally over for Coast Rugby League

The Queensland state government has come to the rescue of struggling community sports clubs by pushing forward the release of COVID-19 Level 3 restrictions.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 30: Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk speaks at a press conference as she gives an update on Queensland COVID-19 Border Controls on June 30, 2020 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Two weeks of torrid drama and tension have finally drawn to a close with a resounding victory for rugby league on the Gold Coast.

Infighting and turmoil have reigned supreme since the Coast’s governing body declared rugby league was back while questions remained on how they could achieve it.

Nine clubs responded that unless financial information, season dates and an easing of government restrictions were secured by Monday night’s RLGC board meeting they would walk away from the season.

Yesterday’s buzzer-beater state government decision to adopt Level 3 COVID-19 restrictions a week early, following a generous financial support package from QRL and RLGC last week, answered those questions resoundingly.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 30: Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk speaks at a press conference as she gives an update on Queensland COVID-19 Border Controls on June 30, 2020 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Full-contact training, an open slather on spectator attendance and provisions to help club bars and canteens generate revenue are the big ticket items clubs have clamoured for for weeks.

Early indications from the ‘Rogue Nine’ are that their demands had been satisfied and a full return to play appears certain.

Rugby League Gold Coast chairman Peter Daley said it had been a very good day for rugby league.

“It was very positive,” Daley said.

“We had a few questions from the clubs but there are a lot more people allowed in (to venues) now than we thought there would be.

“I hope they do all come back and I’m very confident they will.”

Helensvale Hornets president Wayne Court. Picture: Supplied

Outspoken Helensvale president Wayne Court, one of the nine representatives to sign the explosive ultimatum letter last week, said Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk had done the right thing.

“Coming out last night and easing it right up is a massive positive. That has always been the showstopper,” Court said.

“QRL and RLGC have done very well to come to the party and help us out financially but the biggest thing was the Premier coming out.

“I’ve been pushing hard and being vocal because I understand the catastrophic effect it would have had on clubs (had the government not).

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“My main thing is that community sport is about kids playing football, sure, but community is the key word there not sport.

“Parents and family needed to be able to watch and socialise and now they can.”

Ormeau Shearers president John Coulter had previously said his club would pull out of the season regardless of legislative updates.

He confirmed to the Bulletin last night that his Shearers would be back in some form in 2020.

Pictured at the Ormeau Shearers Junior rugby league club John Coulter his wife Deb Coulter-Bryce and Children Shamica Bryce 22 (pink Top) , Shania Coulter 16 ,Chance Coulter17 and Kaleb Coulter 12 all heavily involved with the Ormeau Junior Rugby League club. Picture Mike Batterham

“We’ll go back to our members once the draw has been put out, we’ll let them know where we stand they’ll make their decisions,” Coulter said.

“In some way we’ll be back.

“Now that the decision has been made a lot of my members will be happy, and if the financial support is there we’ll be behind (returning to play).

“It’ll be hard work. We still have to see how many members are going to come back and put teams together.

“Everyone’s a bit excited but the work not done.”

RLGC will begin work on the construction of a revised draw this week for release to clubs at next Monday’s board meeting.

Final nominations for junior and senior teams must be received by July 21, one week before kick-off across the Coast.

Flexibility is the primary objective, chairman Daley said, with week-to-week draws until the school holiday period is successfully navigated.

Level 3 COVID-19 restrictions will begin at midday Friday.

Earlier: The Queensland state government has come to the rescue of struggling community sports clubs by pushing forward the release of COVID-19 Level 3 restrictions.

Community sports clubs will be permitted to return to full-contact training from Friday July 3.

Restrictions on spectators at community sport venues have been removed entirely.

Small hospitality venues, including cafes and club canteens and bars, have been given permission to reduce social distancing measures by half to two square metres per person instead of four.

The Government decision is music to the ears of the Gold Coast Rugby League board and the nine clubs who publicly threatened to walk away from the competition last week.

Billy Bakthier, Austin Highett, Jacob Worthing, Harry Caines and Marley Murphy from Currumbin Eagles Junior Rugby League Club with Titans captain Ryan James to launch Fox LeagueÕs Retro Round at Parkwood. Photo: Steve Holland

RLGC chairman Peter Daley said the easing of restrictions was the final puzzle piece for the rogue clubs.

“We’ve got a phone hook-up with the clubs at 6pm this afternoon, and the decision will be totally up to them and the situation they’re in,” Daley said.

“The demands from last week’s letter have been met so I assume the majority would be back on board but I can’t make them.”