But Group Nine president Jack Morton fears that not even the concerns of champions of the game will be heard in the right places.

And it’s hard not to agree when the NRL has for three weeks ignored The Daily Advertiser’s request to hear from Todd Greenberg about the importance of the bush.

Questions were sent to an NRL spin doctor on December 9 but all subsequent phone calls, emails, text messages and voice messages have gone unanswered.

Of course, there’s been Christmas in the meantime, and the ongoing funding negotiations with NRL clubs.

But failing to answer a phone call, let alone questions, smacks of arrogance.

And worse – a disregard for Riverina rugby league fans, on whose behalf the questions were asked.

Little wonder that frustration and indignation has given way to resignation when the game’s big picture is discussed.

“That’s probably typical of how they operate,” Morton said.

A chance to reassure local league fans has instead become a reminder of the cold shoulder and deaf ear many feel they are up against. 

Meanwhile the AFL marches on, announcing pre-season games in Albury and Narrandera early next year, and the GWS Giants continue to entrench themselves in the region.

The NRL may yet come good on the promise of competition games in country areas from 2018 or take great strides in funding and development in south-west NSW.

But you can’t help but feel they’ve got a long row to hoe to earn the respect of those who have been instrumental in keeping rugby league alive here in the meantime.