NSW Rugby League (NSWRL) made the difficult decision to cancel all of the remaining regional competitions on Tuesday on the back of the latest Public Health Orders.

Group Nine had been determined to finish the 2021 season and were prepared to go until the end of October if needed but the decision was made for them this week.

NSWRL's call came on the back of the NSW Government's decision not to allow community sport to return despite several regions across the state coming out of lockdown last weekend.

NSWRL head of football Robert Lowrie said the ambiguity relating to vaccination targets and related requirements for community sport was another key factor considered before making the decision.

"I thank all stakeholders for their tireless efforts in trying to get community football back on the field but unfortunately it is no longer feasible," Lowrie said.

"While COVID has thrown up many challenges to our sport, there are still plenty of achievements to be proud of with a strong participation base of 108,000 players leading into 2022.

"I thank all our participants, officials, coaches and fans for their contributions this season. I urge them to stay safe, observe the COVID-19 safety guidelines and look forward to seeing them back in action in 2022."

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