Cootamundra rugby league legend Les Boyd is hopeful it won't be long before the Bulldogs return to Group Nine.
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One of the competition's oldest clubs didn't apply to take part in the 2021 season and instead are looking to join the George Tooke Shield.
Boyd, played 17 Tests for Australia and eight games for NSW, has his name adorned on Cootamundra's home ground and still lives in the town.
He admitted it is a shame.
"It is a bit sad really," Boyd said.
"They have been part of this group for over 100 years and it is sad to see them pull out but I think that is the way rugby league has gone.
"The bigger communities are still forming teams but some of the smaller communities are struggling for people to play."
Boyd believes the competition between codes, with Cootamundra also having rugby union, Australian rules and soccer clubs, with diminished employment opportunities makes it hard for smaller centres to match their larger rivals and other towns with less sporting options.
Especially with the Bulldogs playing in a higher standard of competition.
"I think a lot of people choose to play rugby union in town as it is an easier sport in many ways," Boyd said.
"You don't have to be as committed and a lot just show up on Saturday or Sunday and get a game whereas with rugby league it is a little bit more professional, they train a little bit harder and they spend a bit more time preparing.
"A lot of people don't want to do that now. They just want to show up and have a run."
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Cootamundra have been starved of success in recent years.
They sat out the 2020 season due to coronavirus concerns, only won one game last year and haven't played finals since 2013.
However Boyd is hopeful any move to the George Tooke Shield will be short lived.
"I can understand the reasoning behind them folding but I don't think it is good for rugby league or our community," he said.
"It is a shame to see what is happening but hopefully it will only be for one year with the abattoirs being bought here and possibly 300 to 400 people being employed.
"That will bring a lot more people into the community so hopefully the year after they can come back into Group Nine, which would be great."
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Courtney Rees
Courtney is a sports journalist from The Daily Advertiser focusing on Group Nine, Southern Inland, cricket, harness racing and greyhound racing.
Courtney is a sports journalist from The Daily Advertiser focusing on Group Nine, Southern Inland, cricket, harness racing and greyhound racing.
