Newcastle Rugby League grand final could push back to October long weekend

The plan, pending approval by NSW Rugby League, would see the decider scheduled for McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday, October 2, with the NRL showdown taking place just 24 hours later.

September 26 was the most recent grand final deadline put forward by NSWRL amid the ongoing coronavirus lockdown while next Sunday (September 5) had been the original date.

Newcastle RL chief executive officer Charlie Haggett discussed the potential change with the state governing body on Wednesday.

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"I mentioned to them [NSWRL] that we felt we could move it to October 1 if we had to," Haggett told the Newcastle Herald.

"They'd put a deadline of the 26^th [September] on, but I said we could do ours on the Saturday with the NRL grand final on the Sunday.

"I'm sure that would be acceptable. It still has to be approved, but they thought it was a reasonable request."

The statewide COVID-19 lockdown remains in place until Saturday.

An announcement about whether restrictions continue or ease in the Hunter region is expected in coming days. This will help determine when, or if, play resumes next month.

A traditional top-five finals series is the goal, but could be reduced to four teams with games held over a fortnight. Newcastle RL runs first grade, reserves and under 19s.

Last week four community competitions, seniors and juniors, across Newcastle and the Hunter were abandoned because of COVID-19.

Group 21 plan to start semi-finals on September 11-12.

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