THE day before the 2020 modified Group Seven Rugby League season was due to kick-off, the competition's board has decided to postpone the start by two weeks.
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Group Seven's decision comes on the back of the NSW government's amended rules in regards to spectators allowed at community sports events - where only 'essential' participants can be present at each venue.
"Unfortunately the NSW government has made some changes in regards to attendance rules for community sports for this week," Group Seven Rugby League operations manager Debbie Rowley said in a statement.
"These changes essentially mean we are not allowed any spectators at any of our games.
"The group and clubs have made the decision to suspend the start of our competition by two weeks.
"Obviously we are extremely disappointed but feel this is the right decision.
"Hopefully in two weeks, the NSW government has relaxed the rules again and we can kick off with spectators."
Group Seven president Scott McLaurin - who's always said the games wouldn't go ahead without fans - explained the whole 2020 draw will be pushed back two weeks, with round one now scheduled to kick-off on Saturday, August 1.
At this stage, the AFL South Coast, Illawarra Baseball League and Shoalhaven District Football Association competitions will go ahead as scheduled, with new COVID safe guidelines - outlined by the NSW Health - in place.
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Courtney Ward
Sports Journalist for South Coast Register and Milton-Ulladulla Times, who loves all things sport and travel. All views are my own.
Sports Journalist for South Coast Register and Milton-Ulladulla Times, who loves all things sport and travel. All views are my own.
