NSWRL Suspends Round 16 and 17 Matches

29th June 2021

The NSWRL would like to advise most Major and Community Competitions across the Greater Sydney Region (Sydney, Central Coast, Wollongong, Blue Mountains and Shellharbour areas) will be cancelled for the next two weeks in line with the current NSW Public Health Order (to 9 July) to deal with the public health risk of the recent COVID-19 outbreak. This small suspension in competitions under the current “Stay at Home” orders will see all clubs involved in affected Major Competition matches receiving one point for a draw (COVID draw). The finals series for the Harvey Norman NSW Women’s Premiership has been modified to a top four. Please note that Community Competitions in Regional NSW will proceed as scheduled and are not subject to the current NSW Public Health Order, but still must adhere to COVID-19 safety protocols. All suspended competitions across the Greater Sydney Region are scheduled to resume on the weekend of 17 July, giving teams the opportunity to train before returning to play, but that will be subject to the NSW Public Health Order at this time.

"The NSWRL has taken decisions around its Major Competitions and Community Football to adhere to the advice from the NSW State Government and give the state every chance to get on top of the recent COVID-19 outbreak," NSWRL Head of Football Robert Lowrie said. "I would urge all our participants, officials and spectators to observe the guidelines that have been put in place to help us get Rugby League back on the field as soon as possible. Furthermore, I would like to emphasise for our regional areas and competitions, not in lockdown, our competitions will continue playing, but we need to maintain our vigilance in encouraging COVID safety."

The Major Competitions involved include Rounds 16 (3-4 July) and 17 (10-11 July) of The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup, Jersey Flegg Cup, Ron Massey Cup and Sydney Shield; and Rounds 11 (3-4 July) and 12 (10-11 July) of the Mojo Homes Cup (Illawarra). The changes made to Major Competitions and Pathways football include no games or training for clubs in Greater Sydney, Central Coast, Wollongong, Blue Mountains and Shellharbour.

NSWRL Competitions Update

22nd July 2021

Major Competitions and Community Competitions across the Greater Sydney region (Sydney, Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Wollongong and Shellharbour) remain temporarily suspended, but we are hopeful of resuming competition from 6 August, pending the NSW Government advice at the time. The NSWRL also remains hopeful of staging the Harvey Norman NSW Women’s Premiership Grand Final between Minor Premiers Central Coast Roosters and Mounties, pending the status and timing of the NRLW competition. The restrictions in place for Regional NSW Leagues and Clubs outside the Greater Sydney Region remain unchanged but they must adhere to COVID-19 safety restrictions and be aware of the potential impacts.

NSWRL Competitions Update

28th July 2021

Following the news today the lockdown of Greater Sydney, the Central Coast, the Blue Mountains, Shellharbour and Wollongong has been extended until 28 August 2021, the NSWRL is presently working through the implications that this decision has for our plans to resume Major and Community Competitions in those areas. Clearly, there can be no resumption of competitions during the lockdown period. At the moment, we are taking health advice and we are also consulting closely with the Office of Sport and the other major winter sports about possible scenarios. We expect to be in a position to provide you with further information about the competitions in the early part of next week.

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