Group 11 president Bob Walsh went into Monday's night meeting with the competition's seven clubs with a sense of trepidation but he left feeling positive about a potential 2020 season.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The clubs finished the meeting on the same page, with the each wanting to see rugby league played in 2020.
It marked a far cry from a week ago, when the views of clubs were split and presidents at Nyngan and Narromine had stated their preference was to not play at all this year amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Crowds remains the deciding factor in whether play will go ahead or not this year, something Walsh has said since things were originally put on hold last month, but the current situation remains planning for a best case scenario.
Exactly what a potential 2020 season would look like remains unknown for now and is likely to stay that way as Walsh, the board, and clubs wait for more updates from the government, health authorities, and NSW Rugby League (NSWRL).
But with all clubs now on the same page and some restrictions around the state starting to be eased there is a sense of optimism.
"I felt a lot better after the meeting than I did going into it," Walsh said.
"It was a very positive meeting. As I've said from the start if we're not allowed crowds we won't be playing but what we're doing is getting on the front foot for when the government or health authorities gives us the okay.
Nothing is set in stone at this stage and not all clubs have completely committed to playing, just stated it is their preference, but that remains fine with Walsh for now as all options remain open.
However, the chance of a full two-round competition stretching into November has all-but been ruled out.
A shortened season is the most likely scenario for this year but the idea of a combined western league with Group 10 clubs, should that be the result for rugby league in the region, remains on the table.
It is believed Group 10 clubs haven't discussed that proposal though.
"We just want to be proactive and let players know we're doing our best to try and get some football on the paddock," Walsh, who is also on the NSWRL board, said.
"Directives could come out and changes the plans anyway.
"I think it will be a modified competition when we play ... but we don't want to stuff up next year's season and we don't want to do things at the cost of the smaller clubs."
Walsh was proud to see the smaller centres, namely Nyngan and Narromine, at the forefront of the minds or rival clubs during the meeting.
"All avenues of getting football played in all four grades are being looked at and we're aiming for all seven clubs," Walsh said.
"But it's the clubs' decision. They won't be told what to do and it will be a majority rule.
"But the other clubs are thinking of the smaller clubs when making decisions."
All clubs are still waiting on news about licenced premises and possible opening dates given they provide major sponsorship for so many clubs across the state and the financial aspect of things is another one Walsh and the board remain aware of.
"Some clubs are struggling but they struggle every year but some others have got the majority of their sponsorship locked in," Walsh added.
Further updates in regards to community sport and the restrictions currently in place are expected following this week's national cabinet meetings.
Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
