Lakes coach Robbie Payne may receive a welcome boost to his playing roster if a revised Newcastle Rugby League season goes ahead at some stage in 2020.
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Payne could potentially pick up as many as 11 players from the recently cancelled NSW Rugby League competitions - Canterbury Cup and Jersey Flegg.
However, plans to start the upcoming campaign on May 31 seemingly took a hit on Thursday when the NSW government announced that the state's coronavirus enforcement laws aren't set to expire until the end of June.
The rescheduled draw has 14 rounds, but there is also an option to play less matches and start later in July.
Newcastle RL officials are currently collecting feedback from clubs.
Payne emphasised that "everybody's health and safety" came first and foremost amid the COVID-19 crisis, but if a competition was possible later this year the Seagulls may "benefit".
Lakes have strong links with the Newcastle Knights' lower grade squads and many players will be without a game.
Seagulls signings Luke Sharpe, Matt Cooper, Lyndon Hills and John Toleafoa all featured in the opening round of Canterbury Cup for the Knights on March 14.
Hayden Loughrey, Brandon Russell and Tevita Alifa are also part of the extended group. Nash Birch trained with them during the pre-season.
Lakes pair Campbell Sheppard and Kane Evans lined up for Newcastle's under 20s in game one of the Jersey Flegg in mid-March. Darcy Heaney is also associated with the Knights.
"Even if we got three of them back a week it would be a bonus," Payne said.
"I didn't expect them to play in blue and gold this year and I've always said their goal should be to play in red and blue because that's the Newcastle Rugby League pathway and I don't want to get in the way of anyone's dreams.
"But if they were available, for whatever reason, we would welcome them back with open arms."
Payne said he and his coaching staff had remained in contact with the Seagulls playing group since training ceased last month, following a trial against Macquarie.
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