Numbers the key to getting the game back

HELENSVALE Hornets president Wayne Court has drawn a line in the sand, declaring the State Government would put the “death sword into junior sport everywhere” unless COVID-19 crowd restrictions were tripled.

Court, one of nine club presidents threatening to walk away from the 2020 Rugby League Gold Coast season should the demands not be met, said until 300 people or more were permitted into rugby league clubs the consortium of Coast clubs would not consider a return to play.

As Victoria’s coronavirus outbreak picks up speed, that Government decision appears further away than ever.

“It’s been a nightmare; for the presidents, Brendon (Lindsay, competition manager) and the Board,” Court conceded.

“We’re all in this s***fight together and that’s being controlled by the State Government.

“That’s what’s driving our frustrations, we’re at each other’s throats but we’re all controlled by others.

“It’s none of our faults with these restrictions, the majority hinges on the Premier lifting restrictions.

“(Sports Minister) Mick de Brenni said the other day that they’d consider bringing the number forward to 120, with stipulations – if that’s the case he’s put the death sword into junior sport everywhere.”

Court said RLGC’s efforts to provide clarity into season dates and a generous financial support package had been gratefully received, but those would not overcome the reality of the grim situations facing clubs.

“They’ve given us an idea about the draw, what the competition would look like and funding, but the show stopper is the State Government,” he said.

“The financial side is hard, but the main thing is it’s impossible to work with numbers under 300 minimum.”