Clubs positive for rugby league's future

With an eight-team season to start on July 18, clubs are now busily looking at how to approach what lies ahead.

Easing of restrictions gave clubs hope of playing out a meaningful season, despite Temora and Cootamundra pulling out, and it came to full fruition after meeting on Saturday.

Southcity football manager Matt Ward was pleased with the positive reaction from the majority of clubs.

"It's a massive change and it is good to be around other people who are being positive as well," Ward said.

Southcity were one of the clubs with the biggest concerns heading into the meeting, but Ward is confident last year's grand finalists can quickly get back into the swing of things.

The Bulls had their first training session since the coronavirus put a sudden halt on things more than three months ago on Thursday.

Ward hopes more planning will see more involved.

"Our plan is to get back to training next week and talk to our boys," he said.

"There may be a couple who are still undecided if they are going to play but we will cross that bridge when they come to it. I think a few other clubs are in our boat.

"You can't confirm numbers until they get to training but I suspect we might get a few more rocking up this week as they know it is time.

"The smaller comp, being only eight weeks, may entice a few blokes who weren't as prepared."

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Kangaroos were among the keenest sides to get back on the training paddock, creating their own return to training program before NSW Rugby League gave the green light.

New president Peter Hurst is pleased to have the season going ahead.

"The green light is what we've been looking for and everyone is in, everyone is keen and we are all working for the greater good of footy," Hurst said.

"Everyone is happy with the outcome. It was a good meeting.

"Cootamundra and Temora put their case forward and everyone knows their own scenario and are doing it for the betterment of the game and their club.

"Hopefully they can use this negative as a positive and come back bigger and better next year but for this year we're excited.

"It is the green light everyone has been waiting for as people have been sitting in the background waiting to see what is going on.

"This will get a lot more momentum now."

Young coach Nick Hall was thrilled their positive approach has paid off.

Now the Cherrypickers are looking to launch back up the ladder after attracting the Picker brothers to the club over the off-season.

Hall was thrilled the decision and praised Group Nine for giving the green light.

"When so many competitions have decided not to go ahead it's great Group Nine took such a positive approach," Hall said.

"It's great news. This town loves its footy. The players have always said if we can make it work, then they'll make it work, the committee has been the same and the sponsors have been supportive as well.

"The message has been getting around to the players and it's all thumbs up. It shows the strength of footy we have in this town. Hopefully nothing gets in the way now."

Albury were another club who had reservations heading into the meeting.

However president Rick O'Connell expects to have a better indication of playing numbers this week.

"It's good to have a plan in place," O'Connell said.

"Clubs were keen to get things going and we can now get stuck into training.

"Once we start training I think more and more players will become interested and want to be a part of it again."

A draw will be finalised soon but it is expected Albury and Southcity will meet, Tumut will host a blockbuster clash with Gundagai, Brothers and Kangaroos will face off at Equex Centre with Young to tackle Junee in round one.

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