The possibility of moving the Group Nine grand final back is now in play after July 18 was named as the potential starting date of the season.
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Subject to changing government advice, NSW Rugby League has given the all clear for community football to start in July.
With the NSW Public Health (COVID-19 Restrictions on Gathering and Movement) Order set to expire on June 30, clubs will be able to begin training from then.
Clubs will be given the final say on what shape a season would look it however Group Nine operations manager Bob Hay believes it a positive move to have a date to work towards.
After initially being against moving the grand final from September 13, an option to move it back a month to allow for one full round of the competition will be discussed.
"Generally clubs felt they would need to play at least one full round, which is nine weeks, and we want to retain the top five (finals) so that makes it 14 weeks," Hay said.
That would see a grand final played at Equex Centre on October 11 at the earliest.
With the restrictions removed it is expected crowds will be able to attend and support clubs financially.
Bidgee region chairman, and NSWRL board member, Terry Brady told The Daily Advertiser competitions wouldn't resume without the public being able to attend.
NSWRL chief executive David Trodden emphasised the health and safety of players and the community is paramount to the return of the sport.
"The board and management of NSWRL have been continuing to closely monitor developments with regards to the COVID-19 pandemic and will continue to strictly follow the government advice so that we will only return to playing footy when it is deemed safe to do so," Trodden said.
"The NSWRL and everyone in our rugby league community need to be responsive to the continual changes to the government advice around risks to public health for the broader community, and if it becomes apparent that a July start date is not feasible, we will adjust and reassess."
Having the Group Nine season pushed back a month then encroaches on the cricket season and the availability of grounds come finals time is another consideration required.
"A lot of clubs have cricket pitches in the middle of their fields but I'm sure clubs could work around that with their local cricket," Hay said.
"I don;t think they start until late to mid October anyway."
Equex Centre is unaffected by cricket.
Clubs are expected to be given a week or two to adjust to the latest news.
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