The Bulldogs are yet to make a final decision, but president Stephen Howse admitted things are not looking good for the club.

Player numbers are the biggest concern while financially the club has taken a big hit from the coronavirus crisis.

"If I was betting man, and I don't want to say too much, but we probably would be quite supportive of a no-play situation this year for Coota," Howse said.

The club met last week to discuss where they stand with the prospect of the competition starting on July 18.

A final decision on the future of their season is expected in the coming days.

Cootamundra had been busy trying to attract new faces to the club after winning just one game last season.

They brought out four international recruits but feel the late start to the season has seen players lose motivation.

"It's a multitude of things with finance and player numbers," Howse said.

"We've lost players since this pandemic - blokes have left town, blokes have gone to find work and a couple blokes have been injured and a lot of the locals have lost interest."

Howse is yet to speak to the majority of the club's sponsors about their position going forward.

The Bulldogs were also looking to have a Sullivan Cup team before COVID-19 hit and there are concerns they now won't have enough to fill a side.

With player numbers Howse doesn't believe having two senior teams, a men's and a women's, would be financially viable.

"We crunched the numbers on what it would cost us to play nine rounds and we'd struggle if we paid our players what we agreed to pay them," he said.

"We'd have to do some massive fundraising in nine weeks as we haven't had an income in six months."

However Howse isn't concerned about the long-term impact a decision not to play could have.

Cootamundra also have rugby union, soccer and Australian Rules clubs but doesn't see them as a threat for getting back on the field in 2021.

"It hasn't entered our mind," he said.

"There are certainly breeds of players who play league and certain ones who play AFL.

"I'm certain we wouldn't lose any to AFL, there are a few playing rugby now who are leaguies.

"They won that comp last year and their coach (Mark Elia) was an ex-rugby league international and he had five or six ex-leaguies and Aaron Byrne was their captain.

"There is a few of them playing still but there is a lot that is not so it wouldn't worry me.

"A lot happens in the off-season at Cootamundra - people change their mind like they change their undies."

Howse doesn't believe the Bulldogs are the only Group Nine club in this situation.

However their numbers haven't been strong for a number of years.

"Speaking to the coaches our pre-season numbers weren't marvellous but they never are until a couple of weeks before the comp when the reserve grades start playing," he said. "We probably could have got a competitive first grade side together but in saying that you have to get them all keen.

"We have to meet again to discuss it, cut our losses and see what happens.

"I'm of the belief we are not in the only club in this boat."

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