NRL Hunter development officer Dan Swan is confident the sport will overcome its COVID-19 hangover.

Community rugby league competitions, including school carnivals and gala days, took a major backseat as a result of the worldwide pandemic.

And, while some senior clubs – and teams – failed to survive over the past 24 months, there are positive signs ahead, according to Swan.

But, getting juniors back onto the field is the number one priority.

“We’ve had a couple of quiet years,” he said.

“A lot of events were planned, however obviously postponed – like the rest of the world.

“Now that restrictions have been lifted, especially with junior footy, it’s full steam ahead.

“So far, we’ve hosted school trials and events in a number of towns throughout the region.

“We’ll probably end up doing about 80 in the course of this year alone.”

Last month, more than 1,000 youngsters – boys and girls – in the under-12 age bracket participated in the NRL Blues 9s Carnival, staged in conjunction with Hunter Junior Rugby League and New South Wales Rugby League – at Lakeside Oval, Raymond Terrace.

That included teams from the Lake Macquarie and Newcastle/Port Stephens catchments.

“To have everyone back was great and the atmosphere was terrific,” Swan said.

“Even 12 months ago, we were still impacted by health guidelines while parents couldn’t watch the matches at the grounds.

“So, it was good to see kids playing footy and their mums, dads and grandparents cheering them on again.”

Swan admitted it was difficult to gauge playing numbers in 2022, but claimed it wasn’t all doom and gloom.

“A lot of groups have seen organisations or sides fold due to COVID-19 the past couple of seasons,” he said.

“And, because of the subsequent constraints, the game’s development has stalled.

“We haven’t been able to implement programs in schools or host gala days, for example.

“However, compared to our figures from 2019, we’re tracking fairly well.

“Events like the NSW Blues 9s Carnival will certainly help.

“On top of that, school participation numbers remain strong.

“I’m sure we’ll bounce back sooner rather than later.

“In fact, students are chomping at the bit to be involved again, especially after they’ve been stuck in classrooms or at home.

“We’ve even noticed a lot of new schools, who’ve never registered before, attending events in 2022.

“That’s a terrific indicator.

“The regulars are returning in big numbers as well.

“It’s funny, the last time many of these children had the chance to play junior footy, they were probably about nine years of age.

“Today, thanks to COVID-19, some of them are still learning to play the game at 12.

“But, rugby league will be okay in the long run.”