Illawarra Rugby League's junior and senior seasons will get under way in a month's time, however, questions remain over the make-up of the 2020 format.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The IDRL's board held a meeting with clubs on Tuesday night, where the green light was given for both competitions to begin on July 18.
It will be a revamped format this year after reigning premiers Collegians - along with Berkeley and Dapto - last month opted not to play in this year's competition.
IDRL general manager Chris Bannerman said they would continue to work with NSW Rugby League, but the July 18 start date announcement was "another step forward".
"There's still a few things that we need to get through," Bannerman said.
"Clubs are in the process of doing COVID-19 safety plans to submit to NSW Rugby League for approval. But they're all aware [of what to do] and it's probably the same across most sports.
"We've got to finalise a few things in regard to some of our senior competitions, but we're confident of wrapping that up in the next few days and probably make a more formal announcement on what the competitions will look like. Every decision you make, it throws up another three or four questions that you have to consider and answer.
"We're very hopeful of probably making some more concrete announcements early next week. We'res constantly talking to NSW Rugby League and some other people about their situations, and trying to make sure we move forward the best way for rugby league in this region."
Bannerman said IDRL was hoping to seek clarity on how many people would be able to attend matches.
"One of the real vexing question that needs to be answered and get some clarity is limits on outside gatherings to 20," he said.
"We've been given all indications that we would probably be at 100 by July as part of the national framework. But I know NSW at one stage indicated that they might hold back, I don't know if that's changed or accelerated now.
"The Public Health Order can be hard to decipher and is ambiguous. We're seeking clarification through NSW Rugby League about exactly what restrictions we'll have in terms of crowds at venues. It will help if we can get clarity around bigger crowds because it would ease the pressure, not only on volunteers but in our senior competitions, it will allow the clubs to get a bit of revenue and ease that financial pressure."
While you're with us the Illawarra Mercury is offering sport readers 20% off an annual digital subscription. Sign up to stay up to date with all the local sports you love for only $3 a week. Terms and conditions apply.
Subscribe to our newsletters
Joshua Bartlett
A sporting fanatic who is keen to promote all codes in the Illawarra and abroad. Mercury's chief football reporter.
A sporting fanatic who is keen to promote all codes in the Illawarra and abroad. Mercury's chief football reporter.
