The union followed a recommendation from NSW Country Rugby Union last week to cancel the remainder of the competition due to the state lockdown and worsening COVID situation.

HRU had three rounds and finals to play.

It is the second straight year, the competition has fallen victim to the pandemic after last season was abandoned before round one.

The union's main source of income is derived from hosting the final series at No.2 Sportsground. They receive money from gate takings and the sale of food and drink.

"The final series normally brings in about $100,000," Turner said. "That money allows us to have a surplus to invest. Without it, we don't have the money to invest."

READ MORE: GREENS LOOK TOWARDS 2022 AFTER SEASON CANNED

After losing the revenue stream from the cancellation of last season, Turner said the had "deliberately" kept the business "lean."

"When you are uncertain about your revenues, you don't spend money," Turner said. "We screwed down on costs. We didn't replace general manager Andy Fairfull and we have made do with what we have had. We had made a profit up to a couple of weeks ago. We will probably lose our surplus because we have to employ staff."

Turner said planning for next season had started, with the formation of an under-19 competition a priority.

The HRU's financial position would be in worse shape if not for sponsorship generated by the Hunter Wildfires.

The Wildfires are governed by HRU but are self funded.

"By virtue of the Wildfires, the sponsorship the NHRU earned this year is about double on previous years," Turner said. "That is through sponsorship that the Wildfires attracted."

"That was a condition of us supporting them. They suck oxygen out of sponsorship market, so they had to deliver some of that to us. Which they have."

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