Kurri Kurri's Mitch Cullen reckons the year is now too far gone, Souths' Andrew Ryan hopes to play at some stage and Western Suburbs' Todd Lowrie wants to delay making a final call.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
There was mixed opinion among Newcastle Rugby League coaches following this week's proposal to cap player payments, make grades non compulsory and use just four venues if the season gets the green light to go ahead from relevant state authorities.
It comes as Newcastle RL relaxed its original stance of "no crowds, no competitions" with officials changing tack to focus on "particpation" regardless of any restrictions on mass gatherings amid the global coronavirus pandemic.
However, Bulldogs captain-coach Cullen feels 2020 is "too far gone" and with "no crowds, no home games for six teams and no time to prepare it's setting up for a failure".
On the flip side are Lions coach Ryan as well as Coalfields duo Todd Edwards and Matt Lantry.
"I'm super keen for us to get a competition going and hope it can happen," Ryan said.
Cessnock's Edwards echoed those sentiments saying "we'll do what we can to get it going. I'm not sure how many boys will still play on reduced money, but as a club we are committed to play".
Maitland's Lantry said Newcastle RL was being "proactive" and "doing their best to get a competition up and running. Still some water to go under the bridge yet, but it's a start".
Rosellas mentor Lowrie reckons a final decision can be put off until next month, ground negotiations held with cricket and the decider played in early November. He also added that "Wests will support any attempt to get started this year".
Central's Phil Williams and Lakes' Robbie Payne said they were holding back for more concrete "return-to-play guidelines" before acting any further.
NSW Rugby League, which oversees Newcastle RL, released a statement on Monday saying it was waiting on the state government to address the issue of community sport and has not yet approved any competitions or allowed training to resume.
IN OTHER NEWS:
