Dark cloud over CDRL could have silver lining

FOOTY fans could be in for the strongest Cairns District Rugby League in at least a decade if the local competition gets off the ground in 2020.

The Queensland Rugby League last week extended the postponement of community footy due to the impact of the coronavirus until June 1, though that depends on health and medical advice at the time.

The CDRL is prepared to stage a season, though it likely will not look like a competition fans and players are used to seeing in the Far North.

It could also be the strongest for the some time.

The cancellation of the Intrust Super Cup and CDRL’s portability program with the Northern Pride could mean ex-NRL and state league players will suit up for local clubs.

CDRL secretary Pat Bailey was excited about what that could mean, not only for the competition but the players.

“It will force the clubs to lift to a higher standard of rugby league,” she said.

She likened the situation to when former NRL star Todd Carney played for Atherton Roosters in 2009.

Rather than sit back and watch the expected favourites run rampant, as fans expected at the time, Atherton’s rivals produced stronger playing rosters and lifted to match the Tablelands club.

Brothers eventually beat Carney’s Atherton in the 2009 CDRL grand final. Carney returned to the NRL the following year, winning the Dally M and leading Sydney Roosters to a grand final, which they lost to St George-Illawarra.

While not quite the same situation, Bailey said she saw plenty of positives in the impact Northern Pride’s players could have on the CDRL.

“It’s only going to benefit the clubs,” Bailey said.

“Those players will bring their skills and training methods to the CDRL clubs and, more importantly the players which will only help their development.”

The CDRL have at least three options for a 2020 season, with a full home-andaway, one full round of fixtures and a conference system all on the table. Players and clubs are not allowed to train in groups during the QRL’s shutdown, though the state body is committed to the return of community rugby league.

QRL managing director Robert Moore stressed it would only be possible if the return of football was deemed safe for all participants. The governing body would monitor government advice.