NEWCASTLE and Hunter Rugby Union general manager Andy Fairful said most clubs had accepted the decision to postpone the finals series but he appreciated that some were impacted more than others.
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Newcastle City Council closed No.2 Sportsgound on Friday afternoon after torrential rain made the surface unplayable.
With the likelihood of the ground being closed all weekend and without an alternate venue deemed suitable, the NHRU made the extraordinary move to put the finals series back by a week.
The qualifying semi-final between Wanderers and Maitland set down for Saturday and the elimination showdown between Merewether and Lake Macquarie on Sunday will now be played next weekend.
Hamilton, who are minor premiers in all three senior grades, will now have two weeks off before playing the major semi-finals.
A numbers of other players, coaches and volunteers have also been impacted. In some cases overseas players had booked flights home while others have organised holidays and work around the original grand final date.
"Hamilton weren't happy due to their circumstances," Fairfull said.
"Generally the presidents of the other clubs appreciated the early call.
"They understood the logistical nightmare involved in a move and generally agreed there wasn't a venue where 2500 people could adequately view a game of rugby."
The Newcastle Herald was able to contact coaches of four of the five first-grade sides involved in the finals.
"It has a massive impact on individuals in our club who have commitments they can't get out of," Wanderers coach Dan Beckett said. "There are no winners and it will be a real mental test for all clubs. We would have been happy to go up the valley for a game including playing at Maitland."
Maitland coach Matt Thomas said the situation was a "learning curve" for the board.
"I guess in future they need to have a back-up plan if it rains," he said. 'Eithe way it's not an easy decision to make for the NHRU."
Merewether co-coach Mick Gill was "fine" with the decision and said they would train and then have a bonding session.
The move was also welcomed by Lake Macquarie coach Gareth Polamo.
"It works out better for us," he said. 'We have a couple more guys available for selection and the break gives us time to freshen up.
