April 3, 2020
The South Burnett’s footy codes are keen to kick off again as soon as life returns to normal post-COVID-19.
The Queensland Rugby League says is is committed to re-commencing community rugby league matches and training this year.
However, QRL managing director Robert Moore stressed this would only be possible if the return of rugby league was deemed safe for all participants, volunteers and their families.
As it currently stands, the QRL has now extended the suspension of all community rugby league activity until June 1.
Mr Moore said the QRL would continue to monitor the government’s advice closely.
“This review process may result in the need to reduce or extend the suspension period as outlined here, based on the advice available at the time,” he said.
He praised the commitment of the game’s community volunteers during the difficult period.
“We know that many of our volunteers are going through their own personal challenges throughout this unprecedented time,” Moore said.
“What is heartening is the support that so many are providing to their members.”
Murgon Mustangs club president Scott Prendergast said the season had been looking very promising with the return of the Nanango Stags to the senior competition and the Blackbutt Timbertowners to the juniors.
He was confident some sort of shortened competition would be played later in the year.
“The South Burnett Rugby league will be back going as soon as we can as soon as we are allowed,” he said.
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The earliest local soccer competitions could resume would be July.
The Football Federation Australia said this week the current suspension of all sanctioned grassroots football competitions and associated training would be reassessed by May 31 however Football Queensland has determined to maintain the suspension through to June 30.
“The health and wellbeing of our football family and all Queenslanders continue to be our first priority,” Football Queensland president Ben Richardson said.
FQ chief executive Robert Cavallucci reassured clubs of the determination to deliver a competition this season.
“No football activities will take place in Queensland prior to June 30 however (this) announcement will now enable clubs to progress towards a return to football.”
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All AFL Community Club competitions, Auskick Centres, schools programs and competitions have been postponed at least until May 31.
“We are a game, but we are not the main game,” a statement from the AFL said.
“The main game is looking after the community and that is the clear priority for everyone at the moment. For football families like all families.”
Be good to see rugby league back this season, but unless it is allowed to run until the end of October I think it will be difficult to get a fair representation of play and games in all grades.
With all Q cup matches being cancelled for 2020 I would think the local games will follow suit, as time will be the issue unless the QRL amends their constitution and match rules.
Hopefully I’m wrong for the game.