Decision to cancel NTFL game due to cyclone a 'major blow'

NTFL clubs Southern Districts and the Tiwi Bombers have called for a rethink on the league's decision to cancel the Round 8 game.

NTFL clubs Southern Districts and the Tiwi Bombers have called for a rethink on the league's decision to cancel yesterday's Round 8 game on Bathurst Island.

The AFLNT bowed to the potential dangers associated with Tropical Cyclone Alessia by cancelling Sunday matches in all grades in Darwin and on the Tiwi Islands.

"The safety of our players, supporters, umpires and staff are of paramount importance," chief executive Tony Frawley said.

"And whilst disappointing that we have to cancel all games, safety remains our No.1 priority."

And in a league first, all of those matches will not be rescheduled and two premiership points awarded.

The league adopted By Law 2.17.2: "If a minor round match cannot be commenced within thirty (30) minutes of the time scheduled for commencement, that match will be deemed a draw and each team will be awarded two premiership points unless otherwise determined by the football operations manager."

Results from matches completed on Friday and Saturday will stand.

Not since 1996 when Cyclone Rachel forced a complete round to be cancelled has an NTFL match been decided off the ground.

Southern Districts coach Shannon Rusca has suggested the Round 10 match between the two clubs on January 4 be played for double points.

"Either that or find a suitable date before Christmas to replay it," Rusca said.

"We would have gone to third if we'd won this match, as it is, the two points we've been given have worked against us with Tahs going ahead of us. The last time I checked, footy was a wet-season sport up here. What's wrong with a bit of heavy rain?"

Tiwi joint coach Cameron Hotton will meet with his club officials this week to look at rescheduling the game.

"No one wants games of footy to end in boardrooms and we're certainly keen to find a new date to play the game," he said.

"December 21 at TIO Stadium is logical, it's a Saturday night when a lot of people will have finished wrapping presents and be ready to take some time off Christmas preparations."

But Frawley poured cold water on any change of plans.

"The By Law is what it is, we won't be rescheduling," he said. "I think it's a fair decision to make all round."