General News
21 May, 2020
Grassroots rugby league at a standstill
With the National Rugby League season going ahead for 2020 questions are being raised about where the local grassroots and amateur seasons are going.
With the National Rugby League season going ahead for 2020 questions are being raised about where the local grassroots and amateur seasons are going.
Last month NRL announced that they would resume their season after suspending it earlier in the year, on March 23.
The revamped draw is yet to be finalised but matches can start again from tomorrow, May 28.
Spectators however will have to settle for their couches instead of the grandstand as NRL announced that all games will be played behind closed doors until further notice.
Local competitions like the Cairns District Rugby League (CDRL) has stated that even though the NRL has started back up local games will not be held without spectators.
The CDRL is waiting on the go from both their governing body; Queensland Rugby League (QRL) and the Queensland Government for the green light to begin playing.
However the CDRL has stated that even if allowed to play, local clubs cannot afford to host games without spectators having to cover player, referee and facility costs.
Mareeba Gladiators A Grade Player/Coach Trent Barnard was excited for the season to start and is now unsure about how it will play out.
“We were really built up for that first game of the season to kick off but it’s a weird situation at the moment,” he said.
“It’s going to come down to the clubs to make the decision on whether to play or not and if they can afford it.
“We the players just have to sit and wait to see what happens.”
Even though players like Trent are keen for the season to start, he believes that the season should be done right.
“I’m really keen to get on the field and play again but it’s got to be done right,” he said.
“What’s the point in running around on a field in front of a bunch of empty seats?”
