By Geoff Newling

Group Four Rugby League’s board of directors has deferred any decision about the 2020 season pending more advice from the NSWRL.

The Group Four board met on Tuesday night to discuss the current situation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

All Group Four Rugby League clubs were canvassed for their thoughts and playing status before the meeting.

NSWRL was also contacted and it found there are changing situations.

Group Four chairman Ray McCoy said there may also be financial benefits for clubs and Groups from the NSWRL.

The NSWRL also confirmed on Tuesday that community football for children in competitions up to and including under 18 comps will resume in July following the NSW Government’s latest announcement.

The NSWRL has been working towards a re-start of modified and select competitions from July 18 and a return to full contact training from July 1, based on the advice of government and health authorities.

NSWRL Chief Executive David Trodden said it was exciting and welcome news for more than 80,000 girls and boys from 700 clubs across the state.

“This is a really positive outcome, not only for the Rugby League community, but the broader community and we are grateful that the NSW Government has given the green light for a return to children’s sport,” Trodden said.

Trodden said that training (in groups of up to 10) can begin as soon as clubs have complied with the NSWRL’s COVID-19 regulations that have been developed in line with the Australian Government’s ‘Return to Sport’ framework.

Due to that development the Group Four Board elected to defer its decision pending more discussions with NSWRL.

McCoy and the Group Four board hope a decision can be made by June 12.

Trodden also remains hopeful the NSW Government will also approve a return to play for adult teams in the very near future, recognising the central role that sport plays in our community and the positive impact that sport can have in recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.

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