This of course is subject to the situation not worsening - an optimistic view in light of the increasing numbers of those affected.

The draw could, if needed, start in mid-June, with the finals series reduced from four weeks to two weeks to still allow a grand final on September 27.

The two representative rounds in the original draw have been cut.

"It's a competition that won't allow for a slow start," Pickers president Frank Lawler said. "Teams will need to hit the ground running which is going to be really difficult after the forced lay-off. Those who struggle early won't have the time to claw back points - a competition like we've not seen before."

Lawler said it was still possible, if everything goes well, to fit in a trial game before the season kicks off.

"We have a trial scheduled against South Newcastle in mid May, but most people would agree that things are probably going to get worse before they get better, so we'll see," he said. "I guess it's something to hold on to - that at this stage we still have a season in front of us - but things are changing quickly."

Here is the Pickers' updated draw.

Rd 1 (May 31) :Cessnock v Maitland at Cessnock

Rd 2 (June 6-7): Maitland v Central at Maitland

Rd 3 (June 13-14): Maitland v Macquarie at Maitland

Rd 4 (June 20-21): Lakes v Maitland at Cahill Oval

Rd 5 (June 27-28): Kurri v Maitland at Kurrii

Rd 6 (July 4-5):

South Newcastle v Maitland at Townson Oval

Rd 7 (July 11-12): Maitland v Cessnock at Maitland

Rd 8 (July 18-19):Maitland v Western Suburbs at Maitland

Rd 9 (July 25-26): Central v Maitland at St John Oval

Rd 10 (August 1-2): Western Suburbs v Maitland at Harker Oval

Rd 11(Auguest 8-9): Maitland v South Newcastle at Maitland

Rd 12 (August 15-16): Maitland v Kurri Kurri at Maitland

Rd 13 ( August 22-23): Maitland v Lakes at Maitland

Rd 14 (August 29-30) Macquarie v Maitland at Peacock Field.

Semis and finals from September 5-6, with grand final scheduled for September 27.