DEVILS MAY DRIVE

Townsville club eyes start in a revamped CDRL comp

A TOWNSVILLE club may still be in line to join the Cairns District Rugby League for a shortened 2020 season. Townsville’s Norths Devils were one of two Townsville and District Rugby League clubs reported to be joining the Mackay and District Rugby League competition later this year, but they could come north.

On Tuesday, TDRL clubs voted to not go ahead with their season, with Norths and Brothers Townsville named on Wednesday as joining the Mackay District Rugby League.

CDRL officials were contacted by the Norths on Thursday evening, with the Townsville-based club leaving no stone unturned to find the best way to return to the field.

“They would be more than welcome to come and play up here,” said CDRL secretary/operations manager Pat Bailey. “Our door is open.”

Despite CDRL clubs deciding to cancel the 2020 season at a meeting in June, following the early relaxation of community sport restrictions from noon this Friday, Bailey said it was not too late for a comp to go ahead.

Cairns Brothers, Tully Tigers and Ivanhoe Knights have all expressed interest in taking the field this year, while Intrust Super Cup club Northern Pride are also training with the intention to play games.

CDRL officials will meet with club representatives on Monday evening to discuss a potential return, as well as the prospect of having clubs from other districts join temporarily.

“We’ve got to think about the future and make sure we can all get back on the field again next year,” Bailey said.