Newcastle Rugby League and Newcastle Hunter Community Rugby League (NHCRL) could be the destination of interested Central Coast clubs after the coronavirus crisis saw another competition cancelled.
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Central Coast District Rugby League (CCDRL) canned its senior campaign for 2020 just as games were about to kick-off over the weekend.
NSW Rugby League officials are set to be in contact with Central Coast representatives on Monday with alternative playing arrangements on the agenda.
"Will consider options available for clubs who may wish to play," NSWRL Newcastle and Central Coast regional manager Keith Onslow told the Newcastle Herald on Sunday.
"Speaking with clubs tomorrow [Monday]."
Newcastle RL chief executive officer Matt Harris said he "wouldn't rule anything out" at the moment with COVID-19 information constantly changing. Wyong has previously played in Newcastle RL, making the 2007 grand final and claiming the 2009 premiership.
NHCRL postponed the start of their competitions for one week on Saturday with Central Coast's last-minute announcement among the reasons why they didn't go ahead as scheduled coupled with further public health orders issued by the state government last week.
"This decision has been taken in order for us to assess the competition moving forward," NHCRL posted on social media. "To hopefully create an environment moving forwards that will allow the maximum number of participants to play our game and also to potentially do so with as many supporters as health regulations and NSWRL may permit in future weeks."
CCDRL president Gerard Andrews said on Saturday the "difficult decision" was made with "immense regret" and said the "inability to raise game-day revnue" made it "untenable for clubs to continue".
Andrews also thanked "all the volunteers that worked so hard to get their clubs running in these difficult times" and CCDRL "will continue to work hard towards the 2021 season".
Earlier this month The Entrance opted not to field sides on the Central Coast.
On the field across the weekend, Newcastle RL returned with Cessnock, Central and Wests all notching up wins in the first round back after the pandemic-forced break.
The Goannas easily accounted for Maitland by 40-4 at Cessnock Sportsground on Saturday.
Sunday saw Central edge out Souths 22-16 at St John Oval and Wests defeat Lakes 20-10 at Cahill Oval.
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