State leagues exit to cause Tweed ‘pain’
That decision directly impacts Burleigh and Tweed, who field teams in all four leagues and played just the one round before they were suspended.
“We understand the outcome is a heartbreaking one for the rugby league community but it’s a call that simply had to be made given the circumstances,” QRL managing director Rob Moore said.
While NRL clubs are cutting costs to cope with life without footy, it’s yet to be seen exactly how damaging the QRL cancellation could be to the Bears and Seagulls.
“Tweed Seagulls are disappointed,” interim Tweed CEO Matt Francis said.
“The (competitions) are more than sporting competitions; they are part of the social fabric that unites the community.
“That said, we fully support the decision of the QRL.
“The health and safety of people come first and the club is ready to support the community in the same way our sponsors, members and players have rallied behind the club in recent days.
“Seagulls will share the pain of many but we are a club built on resilience and we will be ready to play our role in the community come 2021.”
The statewide competition cancellation comes as the NRL opted to scrap the Magic Round format for 2020.
Last year’s inaugural event was a revelation, with 134,677 fans flocking to Suncorp Stadium for a full round of games involving all 16 NRL clubs.
NRL chief commercial officer Andrew Abdo said the event would return in 2021.
“We had to take this action as there was simply no other option,” Abdo said.
Fans who have bought tickets can get refunds.