Wagga clubs Southcity and Brothers have cautiously welcomed the prospect of a mid-July return for local rugby league.
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Group Nine is assessing what a season might look like after the NSW Rugby League this week announced July 18 as the target date for community competitions to resume.
That's still 13 weeks away but any timeframe is better than the mystery of none.
"I think it's positive news, it's at least something to work towards," Southcity football manager, Matt Ward, said.
"There's a lot more to work out, there's a lot of things each club needs to weigh up - whether it's viable for them, how it's going to look, whether there's still restrictions in place, or whether pubs are open by then."
NSWRL board member Terry Brady said earlier this week that grassroots competitions wouldn't resume without crowds.
Ward believes the Bulls are healthy enough to ride out a year of upheaval but said supporting their sponsors will be an important consideration.
Southcity anticipate plenty of discussion between Group Nine and its clubs in the weeks ahead to determine what's going to be possible. They say costs like registration and insurance also need to be re-assessed in a shortened season.
Ward believes flexibility will be critical to working out a path forward but said a potential round one date is a great boost.
"From a playing point of view, I think everyone will be happy to just get something to work towards," he said, adding that it also helps provide hope in the community.
"We just worry about whether our players are okay, and their welfare, mentally and financially."
Wagga Brothers president Mitch Dunn said "everyone's excited" for a July 18 return.
He said talks with sponsors and discussions about match payments will all have to be considered, in time.
"There'll be lots of interesting discussions coming up because everything's changed for people - everything's changed," Dunn said.
"But all these guys have worried about is when they can return to playing so hearing the news, it is a good thing.
"We don't know what it (the competition) will look like yet but if they're lifting restrictions on gatherings by then, that will be good.
"Family and health and making sure everyone's okay is what matters and it will be great to be able to get back to some normality.
"It's not just about playing, it's the social aspect."
