Last week proved a return of sorts, with Thirroul hosting Wests in a belter at Gibson Park in round one of the NSWRL Presidents Cup.

All other competitions, however, were placed on hold for at least a further week after a second COVID-19 breakout largely centred in neighbouring South-West Sydney.

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With the NSWRL implementing stricter measures, the IRL's open age, third division, under 18s and women's and league tag competitions have all been given the green light for this week.

It's a step forward, but Bannerman says the board is well aware that the continuation of competitions remains a week to week proposition.

"It's taken a lot of work to get here but all indications are, after the false start last weekend, that all things are in place for us to proceed," Bannerman said.

"All six senior competitions will still be conducted, which is great, things will be a little different but we've achieved a lot more than a lot of other areas that've pulled the pin.

"We've been close to that a couple of times but I've got to pay credit to all the clubs who'e worked really hard to get us to this situation.

"It hasn't been easy for any of them and it won't be easy over the next month or two but, collectively, a lot of people have done a lot of great work to get to where we are.

"Fingers crossed, despite what's going on in the community, we get through, we do the right thing, we follow all the protocols and community sport can continue."

Saturday will see Wests and Helensburgh host big double-headers, with the Devils hosting Western Rams at Parrish Park in round two of the Presidents Cup. Wests will also face Corrimal in the opening round of the Illawarra Open Age competition in the curtain-raiser.

At Rex Jackson Oval, Helensburgh will play host to defending premiers Ryde-Eastwood in round two of the Sydney Shield, while the Tigers will take on Dapto in the Open Age co-feature.

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It will have a different look, but Bannerman is expecting open age sides to turn it on in pursuit of a premiership.

"Our commitment was always that we'd find an option for every team and every player that wanted to participate," Bannerman said.

"Once we realised we didn't have a viable first grade competition our key was to talk to NSWRL and arrange that. That's been done in the case of Wests, Thirroul [in Presidents Cup] and Helensburgh [in Sydney Shield].

"In the open age we're going to see some kids, a lot of them of first-grade ability who just haven't pushed their way in yet, get a chance to stand up this year.

"There's some good kids who've been running around looking for some opportunities and I think it's what's going to be refreshing about this year. I think it could surprise a few people. We could see some really good footy and some really talented young kids step up."

In Saturday's other open age fixture, Avondale will host Thirroul - whose senior side have a Presidents Cup bye - at Dandaloo Sports Ground.

Perennial Shield contenders Avondale will step up in search of what would be a special premiership for the club.

"We're all really keen to get on the field," newcomer Jarrad Stewart said.

"With all the setbacks we've had the key's just been keeping everyone motivated and on the park but we're all ready to rip in, we can't wait.

"It's a bit of an unknown. I've come across this year, we've got a few fresh faces around and it's been a bit of a building stage for us this year. We'll go out there and put our best foot forward and give it a red hot crack.

"Winning a comp's a special thing so we'll get out there, hopefully around finals time we're there and we can have a swing at it."