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Hope still flickers for Real NRL

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Tooheys Newcastle Rugby League officials have their fingers crossed the Real NRL doesn’t fall by the wayside like other community competitions in the region.

The NSWRL pulled the pin on several formats in the Hunter at the end of last week, after the NSW Government announced a state-wide lockdown until Sunday 28 August to combat the COVID-19 outbreak.

Those affected include all Newcastle JRL, Maitland and District JRL, Hunter Valley combined (from age groups under-12 to under-17s), and Newcastle and Hunter RL divisions.

But, the Real NRL remains untouched, at this stage.

“We’re fortunate the edict didn’t incorporate the Denton Engineering Cup, reserve grade or under-19s,” CEO Charlie Haggett said.

“We’ve already had to abandon the last round of the comp.

“Contingencies, for the final series to be played, are in the process of being developed.

“However, they’ll ultimately be determined based on the lifting of the lockdown, allowing for a week of training in preparation for a competition restart.

“Most importantly, player welfare and being prepared to play from a fitness and mindset perspective will be a major part of any decision on when the games will kick off again.”

If the Real NRL returns to the field, the Maitland Pickers, defending premiers Cessnock Goannas, Central Newcastle Butcher Boys, Macquarie Scorpions and Western Suburbs Rosellas are set to lock horns for the title.

But, for all other local players, it’s game over in 2021.

“The NSWRL made the decision in consultation with Newcastle JRL, Maitland and District JRL, and the Newcastle and Hunter RL after it was determined it would not be possible to recommence and finish the season in the remaining timeframe,” head of football Robert Lowrie said.

“We’d like to commend the hard work put in by all parties to come up with contingency plans to keep it all going, however unfortunately it was no longer possible.

“It is important that we all adhere to the COVID-19 safety guidelines from the NSW Government and there was no way to ensure that our clubs, volunteers and participants could return to a low-risk environment in the current climate.

“The NSWRL acknowledges the unity that was shown by all parties in reaching this decision and the tremendous work that has been done this season to achieve record participation and set the Hunter region up for further success in the future.

“The NSWRL thanks our participants, officials and volunteers for their contribution to our Community Competitions this year.

“We urge them to remain safe, adhere to the COVID-19 guidelines and we look forward to their return in 2022.”

In positive news, Lowrie said all Hunter leagues performed at seven-year highs for participation.

“Newcastle JRL boasted 4,340 participants (5% growth from 2019); Maitland and District JRL had 2,316 participants (2% growth from 2019); and Newcastle and Hunter RL possessed 1,991 participants (5% growth from 2019),” he added.

“There was also an average of 10% increase in female participation and a 3% rise in male participation across all junior and senior competitions from 2019.

“It was determined that with the majority of regular seasons completed across all comps (there were only two rounds remaining and all teams had completed the same number of games) that premiers and runners up would be awarded based on final ladder positions, too.”

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