The aim is for teams - including those in the Newcastle Rugby League - to return to training from July 1 with competition to start from July 18. The re-start is subject to the relevant advice from Government and health authorities. The plan will be reviewed on June 1.

The Newcastle Rugby League is planning to play a 10-round senior competition.

Newcastle Rugby League CEO Matt Harris said his organisation is working with the NSW Rugby League to provide an opportunity for clubs and players to play in the region in some format this year.

NSWRL Chief Executive David Trodden said: "The most important thing is that we will be guided by the health regulations and the health and safety of all players, team staff, match officials, club officials and the public will be a priority."

While the press release didn't mention semi finals, Maitland Pickers president Frank Lawler understands there will be a three week finals series, starting on the first weekend of October.

Related content: Pickers eye Ron Massey Cup in Sydney

NSWRL is reviewing all junior and senior competitions within the state and, with more than 80,000 junior participants and 20,000 senior participants, is looking to support leagues and assist if main stream competitions are unable to commence.

In the next tier down, the Newcastle and Hunter Community Rugby League is set to play a 10-round senior competition while Maitland, Newcastle and Group 21 Juniors are set to play at least nine rounds and two weeks of finals as part of a proposed model for the planned resumption of activities.

NSWRL Newcastle and Central Coast Regional Area Manager Keith Onslow said he was also working with the NSWRL on other competition structures to provide an opportunity for any competitions that may not be able to form in their own right to be able to play Rugby League in some format this year.

"We as NSWRL accept that there may be some teams and clubs who may not be able to participate but we will design competition models for those who want to play and can play in 2020," Mr Onslow said.

"The Newcastle and Hunter competition being an amateur competition is in a good position but obviously there still are costs involved in putting those teams on the field.

"We understand the challenges clubs face and that they may not be able to contribute, but we'll design a competition model for those that can."