Bidgee region chairman Terry Brady, who is a NSWRL board member, believes having a full withdrawal of COVID-19 restrictions is paramount for any type of competition getting under way.

"The NRL can play their games without a crowd but country footy relies on the gate and getting people in to support the financial side of it," Brady said.

"If we are not going to get it then it is a bit hard to try and run a competition.

"All restrictions have to be off the table first."

The NSWRL board put a ban on all rugby league until at least May 1, but have been getting regular updates on the health situation.

Brady believes there have been plenty of positive steps made in the fight against the virus since their initial decision on March 17 and clubs will get a better idea of what a return to football could look like following the Zoom hook up.

"We will get a bit of an indication of the timeline," Brady said.

"We've been getting pretty well informed from the government on what their timelines might be but will get a bit more of an indication."

RELATED COVERAGE

Mid-July is the current goal.

However clubs will have the final say on how competitions will be shaped.

Brady admitted there are plenty of clubs looking to adopt a cautious approach given the health and financial implications of the pandemic.

Especially regarding the financial position of sponsors and the impact of player payments.

"People are going to be a lot more cautious with what they do or how they do it," he said.

"This thing is way bigger than football and we have to treat it that way.

"We are gauged by what the federal and state governments do and it is not a decision for the football family, we have to go with what the government does.

"Once they lift restrictions and change their policy then we can make decisions."

Having a one-round competition seems to be favoured from groups across the region.

The Group Nine season was supposed to start last weekend with the grand final date set for September 13.

Earlier this month NSWRL chief executive David Trodden gave a strong indication football would return with winter sports working together to achieve it.

Brady joined the NSWRL board after the merger with Country Rugby League in October.

He is sitting on a two-year term.

READ MORE