By Casey O'Connor
Toowoomba Rugby League (TRL) president Rex Zeeman announced today – Tuesday 26 May – that following a meeting on Monday night of the TRL board of delegates which includes the TRL Directors, Club representatives and the TRL Referees Association a unanimous decision had been made to cancel the TRL 2020 season.
Zeeman said this was a “big decision and one that that was not taken lightly but which the TRL believes is the correct decision”.
The decision was made after receiving a presentation by QRL representatives of the QRL ‘Return to Play’ handbook.
Although all clubs and officials were keen to commence the season the restrictions allowing for numbers of no more than 100 was one of the defining factors in the decision.
Zeeman said the 100-person limit would likely mean only a two-grade competition was possible and would basically preclude spectators attending. This would make it very difficult for the clubs financially as there would be ongoing expenses incurred on any given game day, but no income from the gate or from food and beverage sales.
Zeeman acknowledged his personal disappointment with the season cancellation and says he feels for all clubs players supporters and volunteers.
He said he will meet with the TRL major sponsors in the coming days to discuss their position.
Chairman of the QRL Central Division Danny Maguire was notified of the decision immediately following Monday’s meeting and says he is “understanding of the situation” and expects other leagues may be faced with a similar situation in coming weeks.
It is understood TRL club affiliation fees will be either refunded to clubs or held over until next season.
The QRL will now negotiate with their Insurance brokers to determine what refunds TRL clubs will be eligible for. It will be up to individual clubs to negotiate with players regarding the refund of registration fees.
The Warwick Cowboys have said they support the decision made by the TRL and they will be doing everything to make season 2021 bigger and better.
The Cowboys have thanked their sponsors, volunteers, players and coaches for their support this year and going into 2021.
The club will continue to run their $25,000 raffle with plans still in place for the draw on November 28 at the Clubhouse during the Cowboys Christmas party. The tickets are $100 each with just 500 available so Cowboys supporters should get in quick to avoid missing out.
There is little else to say – other than bring on ‘Season 2021’.
