Message from Matt Brady NSWRL Chairman of Community Rugby League Association.

Update on single restart date for all Winter sports within NSW, from the government.

I wanted to reach out to the wider Junior League community, especially knowing that this coming weekend of the 18-19 April, would have been round 2, if not for the season being suspended. I can only imagine the disappointment and frustrations that is being felt from all your members, at not being able to participate in a game they love.

COVID-19 has had a significant impact on all Communities right across the country, and our competitions are no different.

I felt it important to update your all, that we are doing everything we can, to have our game up and running at Parks & Fields right across our state once deemed safe to do so.

Following NSWRL decision on 18 March 2020 to suspend all competitions, nine major competitions were subsequently cancelled as of Friday 27 March 2020. These competitions include: Canterbury Cup, Jersey Flegg, SG Ball, Harold Matthews, Tarsha Gale, Andrew Johns and Laurie Daley.

What has not been cancelled is Community Football, consisting of all Junior Leagues, Ron Massey and Sydney Shield Competitions. NSWRL are as keen as are we, to see the community competitions get up and playing again in 2020.

To this, I have been advised the NSWRL Board will meet later, next week to discuss among many things the following;

• To give some certainty and clarity around the process for Community Competitions moving forward in 2020
• A desire from the NSW Government to have a single start date for all winter sports throughout NSW. NSWRL are currently in discussions with the government and all other sports regarding this timeline.

Regardless of when this happens, please rest assured that the NSWRL and the Association, will be doing all they can to get your players on the park and playing again in 2020.

Finally, it is disappointing that the season has come to this however on behalf of New South Wales Community Rugby Leagues’ Association, we greatly appreciate what you do and look forward to coming out the other side together. Until such time, please try to stay safe, healthy and take care of yourselves and loved ones.

Matt Brady
Chairman
New South Wales Community Rugby Leagues’ Association Inc