Harris, currently in the process of getting feedback from clubs in lieu of next week's scheduled face-to-face meeting, said he hopes a decision about the 2020 season would be made no later than two months time.

The upcoming campaign remains in limbo because of the global coronavirus pandemic with all NSW Rugby League community football postponed until at least May 31 and announcements this week by the state government that tight COVID-19 restrictions could stay in place for 90 days.

"You need a date to call it," Harris said.

"We're hoping to do that by the end of May but we need to assess the feedback we get from clubs first before we confirm."

The Newcastle RL boss said it was important for clubs to have as much "clarity" as possible despite the constantly-changing situation.

"Blokes have to keep fit, there's training to organise, stock already ordered - there's a lot of factors," he said.

"You can't keep hanging on and hanging on."

Harris said a call about the season may be "taken out of our hands" depending on what guidelines exist, particularly laws around large gatherings.

"We can't proceed [with the competition] until we get the green light [from above]," he said.

"We will continue to be guided by NSWRL, government policy and medical advice."

It has been over 100 years since there was no official Newcastle RL competition, occurring twice in back-to-back years (1917, 1918) during World War I.

Before the coronavirus crisis, this season's opening weekend was originally scheduled for April 18-19.

A revised 14-round draw, starting May 31, was released last month with a decider set for September 27.

Harris said Newcastle RL also have an option for a mid-July kick-off, adding that alterations could be made to the semis format or grand final date.

Wests won the 2019 title.

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