I won't lie. Being a sports journalist in a regional centre where no sport is being played has been challenging and weird.
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But as the calendar changed over to July this week, thus clearing the way for community sport to resume, the quality of Wagga sport this year could overcome the lack of quantity forced upon us by the coronavirus pandemic.
Sure, most leagues are only playing half a season, and in Group Nine Rugby League and Southern Inland Rugby Union not all clubs are taking part.
However, the demise of Albury competitions for 2020 will ensure the player talent in Wagga will be arguably the best it's ever been.
Just yesterday former Brisbane and Essendon AFL player Damien Cupido was confirmed as the latest big signing, with the star goalkicker to feature for Mangoplah-Cookardinia United-Eastlakes.
Wagga Tigers have signed on-baller Bradyen O'Hara, arguably the best player in the Ovens and Murray League, and Albury Tigers teammates Jake Gaynor and Shaun Driscoll.
It's been an unexpected player feeding frenzy as clubs look to pick the meat off the carcasses of nearby leagues who unfortunately haven't been able to save their seasons.
The bonus is some of the best talent from Albury and Wagga will combine to form virtual mini 'Super Leagues' for this year only, and the footy-watching public will be the big winners.
A bit of added cross town rivalry will also come into play, with Hume League heavyweights Osborne Tigers also joining the Riverina League.
In Football Wagga's Pascoe Cup, Albury City FC have come on board. After Griffith club Hanwood claimed last year's premiership in their return to the Wagga competition this year, the local sides will be keen to make a statement against the Albury newcomers.
They're just the tip of the iceberg of a cavalcade of Border talent destined to play out of Wagga this year.
League administrators and clubs should be congratulated for using some perspective and allowing teams from nearby regions who have been left stranded into their competitions.
Over the last few months everyone has realised just how crucial going to training and playing footy on the weekend is for everyone's general well-being.
Blocking a team from a rival league coming in for one season only, simply because their inclusion would make winning a premiership tougher, would be petty and against the spirit of sport.
Albury City FC are looking forward to playing against different clubs and players. It's a chance to test themselves against the unknown, a novelty which wouldn't have arisen in a routine year.
The Wagga teams will also relish coming up against different opposition, even for one year only, and using town pride to ensure their respective trophies don't leave town.
Lastly, try and get out to a few local games if you can, in particular the codes which rely heavily on gate takings and canteen sales to survive.
It will be some time, long after the year finishes, before community clubs fully recover from the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic. Everyone can do their little bit to help make that task easier.
The quality on display may never be better than this year. We can't let that opportunity slip, especially when it also helps clubs get back on their feet as soon as possible.
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