Group Nine just happy to go alone for 2020

A number of Group 20 and Canberra Raiders Cup had signalled their interest in joining Group Nine this season.

However with eight of the 10 existing clubs committing to playing in 2020 the vote to add some new faces into the mix was rejected.

Group Nine chairman Peter McDermott admitted outside interest would have been entertained if more existing clubs didn't want to play.

However he is happy with the eight-round season that has been established, labelling it a win for rugby league and country sport.

"We told them clubs were interested and they had a vote but it was more if other (Group Nine) clubs pulled out and we needed to even it out to eight," McDermott said.

"With eight it works in perfectly. They all wanted to finish of the weekend before the long weekend and now you get four home and away games and three weeks of finals.

"It's the exact amount of weeks you need."

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All three Western Division competitions, Group 10, Group 11 and the Woodbridge Cup won't take place this season.

Group 20 also cancelled their season this week while a final decision has not yet been made on the Canberra Raiders Cup although a number of clubs have withdrawn.

Group Nine are still allowing their clubs to get a better sense of their lower grade numbers however the first grade draw has been completed.

It will see the clash between Brothers and Kangaroos start the season at Equex Centre on July 18.

The Tumut and Gundagai grudge match follows at Twickenham the following day.

Southcity also heads to the border to face Albury while Junee hosts Young at Laurie Daley Oval.

This round will be reversed in the last week before finals, where a top four will be in operation.

Group 20 outfit Yenda has signalled interest in entering teams in the Sullivan Cup and Weissel Cup competitions this season.

McDermott highlighted portability rules will be in place to allow players with link with Group Nine clubs across all grades for this season before returning to their previous club next year.

"If players from Group 20 or elsewhere want to come and have a game they will have to apply," he said.

"As long as teams aren't stacking themselves there shouldn't be any dramas getting a game. Hopefully it will help bolster clubs struggling to come up with reserve grade teams."

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