Rugby League: Singleton Greyhounds look to take field in 2020 as Group 21 cancelled

Singleton announced on Monday that state governing body "NSW Rugby League will be looking for a competition for us to play in for all grades".

The majority of Group 21 clubs opted against going ahead this year during a vote on Sunday night.

The Greyhounds, who are currently putting together their COVID-19 safety plan, felt that "even with all the current [coronavirus] restrictions we would still be able to play."

Newcastle Rugby League, who have a board meeting on Tuesday night, also recently canned their main competition but are looking to run an alternative open grade alongside already established under 19s and ladies league tag.

Newcastle Hunter Community Rugby League competitions - men's tackle, women's tackle and ladies league tag - are set to kick off July 18 with multiple grades.

"If a competition is found that we think will suit us we will then be putting it to our players to see if it suits them," the Greyhounds released on social media.

Singleton featured in the Kurri Nines on February 29.

Greta Branxton captain-coach Liam Foran, a former NRL player who joined the Colts from Aberdeen after being named Group 21 player of the year in 2019, said it was "pretty disappointing" for the competition to be called off.

"Obviously coronavirus has affected everyone world wide and you can't help that, but we were hopeful Group 21 would go ahead after junior footy got the green light," Foran said.

"We had around 48 blokes registered for first and reserves plus the 18s. There was a really good vibe."

Foran said he was unsure if there was a "chance to play in another competition" or if it would be better to "build for next year".

Greta Branxton, along with Muswellbrook, were set to re-enter first grade this year to make it a six-team competition.

Adam Clydsdale, the former NRL hooker and 2018 Newcastle RL player of the year, was taking over as Scone captain-coach after helping the Thoroughbreds claim the premiership last season.

Denman had Paul Benkovic named as mentor.

Group 21 chairman Simon Walmsley said "the board supports the decision the clubs have made for this year and agree it would have been a difficult decision for the clubs and their members."

Walmsley said Greta Branxton, Singleton and Denman expressed interest in playing under 18s and may combine forces with the recently abandoned group 4 competition.

Elsewhere around the state groups 10, 11, 16 and 19 have all cancelled their 2020 senior seasons within the last week. Group 3 went the same way in April.

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