League’s chance for shake-up missed

COMMENT

MATTHEW MCINERNEY

THE Far North rugby league community might have missed a major opportunity to shake up the sport after being beaten to the punch by one of our biggest regional rivals.

Three Cairns District Rugby League clubs and the Northern Pride are desperate to play the game in some format this year.

They are still training but any competition is in limbo, with a meeting on Monday night to chart a way forward.

But any idea of inviting Townsville clubs for a revolutionary competition has been scuttled after the revelation that Brothers Townsville and the Norths Devils will join the Mackay District Rugby League senior competition for this year.

The Combined Central Highlands will also travel from Rockhampton to participate in the eight-team season.

Some officials had indicated a knockout or crossover competition involving the remaining Townsville clubs could be a way to provide a rugby league product in the Far North.

The relaxing of restrictions, announced Tuesday, means spectators could attend games when competition resumes, and the timing of Monday’s meeting could allow for some clubs to backflip on their original decision to withdraw.

The regular CDRL competition has been ruined by the coronavirus; it’s the first time since World War II the league hasn’t been run.

The major hiccup provided officials with the best chance they’ll have to reinvigorate the game, make it more exciting, and try new formats to get more bums on seats.

That opportunity still remains, but it will involve only local clubs as Mackay becomes the envy of regional rugby league supporters everywhere.