It wasn't the news that we wanted to hear, but I think deciding to cancel the NSW NPL season was inevitable.
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It is disappointing for players and people involved that it's come to an end, however, last week's call was the most sensible course of action, given the way things have been tracking. And it means that clubs can start looking towards next season.
I'm not sure if the decision was good or bad for the Wollongong Wolves. When play was halted, their season was hanging in the balance, coming into the back half of the season. And it probably could have gone either way from a Wolves' perspective.
Football NSW has announced that no-one will be crowned league premiers. In my opinion, with COVID hanging around , I thought somewhere within the rule book that if at least half the season was completed before being called off due to COVID, a premiership could still be handed out.
I think, in hindsight, that's something that could have been sorted through a bit better before the season kicked off, especially considering what happened last year. Everyone would have known the script if a season was cancelled from half a season onwards, a premiership could be given. So I think that's one thing that should have been looked at.
The COVID situation has also thrown huge doubts on Football South Coast's season. I think they're holding on to a glimmer of hope that Wollongong restrictions get eased, and maybe players only within that local government area can return to play. But I think that's a long shot.
I'm not sure what FSC plan on doing with the premiership, but I think it should be put into the rules and regulations that if at least half a season goes ahead, a winner could be awarded.
In the Illawarra Premier League, I doubt think anyone would begrudge Wollongong Olympic being crowned premiers this year. They've been undefeated and on top of the table, and were tracking pretty well to stay on top. But it's going to be up to the decision makers and whatever they have in the rules and regulations. But Olympic would be the deserved 2021 champions.
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