QRL in call to reboot season
JUST as community rugby league was set to reach greater heights, coronavirus forced the game back a step.
Now the pandemic has claimed a coveted victim with the Foley Shield put on ice for 2020.
But as hope remains for a June 1 resumption of regional sport, Queensland Rugby League northern division manager Scott Nosworthy said there was still a light to look towards.
The cancellation of the Intrust Super Cup signalled the beginning of the end for the North Queensland competition, with teams from Townsville, Cairns and Mackay set to play before the corresponding fixtures between the semi-professional sides.
It is not just the Foley Shield that will have to wait until 2021 to resume, with all community representative rugby league forced to bide its time.
“We’re not having any pathways rugby league, there’s no Marlins team either this year – men, women and children,” Nosworthy said.
“I know my dad played Foley Shield for the Whitsundays in 1971 in front of about 8000 people – it was massive.
“It’s a great loss … it’s just going to be put in hibernation until next year and hopefully come back bigger and better.
“The really disappointing thing with the virus for rugby league was we were looking at really good growth in our female game, and our junior numbers were starting to come back.
“We just hope post COVID there’s the same enthusiasm.”
As all sports seek to give their communities a season in 2020, clashes will likely occur.
But Nosworthy said the QRL and regional competitions were consulting with other sports to avoid overlaps.
Employment rates have also taken a dip as a result of COVID-19, and Nosworthy said the game’s long-term prosperity was reliant on making sure those affected can still share in the sport.
He said a priority for the QRL was to ensure the game was affordable and accessible for all ages.
“It’s not just rugby league, we’re going to come to a period where cricket will kick off and they’re in the same boat,” Nosworthy said.
“It needs to be a collaboration between sports and communities … to share venues, human resources.”