Pickers coach Matt Lantry said Lamb and club vice-captain Sam Anderson had both given verbal commitments to the continuing with the club but had been prevented from putting pen to paper by the Covid lockdown.

"I think anyone who knows both Brock and Sam knows that there word is a solid bond and both have given commitments to play with the Pickers next season," Lantry said.

"The only thing that has stopped either of them from signing is the fact we can't get together because of the Covid lockdown. Otherwise it would have been a done deal."

Pickers captain Alex Langbridge, centre Gary Anderson and forwards Faitotoa Faitotoa, Jayden Butterfield have all re-signed for two years while prop James Taylor has signed for three.

Five-eighth Chad O'Donnell signed for two years at the end of 2020.

They are all key members of the Pickers 2021 campaign which Lantry hopes will restart before a September 26 deadline for the Newcastle Rugby League grand final.

Lantry thanked the Newcastle RL and in particular CEO Charlie Haggett for their commitment to ensuring finals are played in 2021.

"I think Charlie has done a terrific job, he has come up with five different scenarios to play the finals in some form," he said.

The first option of the lockdown ending on August 21 has already been ruled out, however the four remaining options circulated by the Pickers for first grade, reserve and under-19s are:

Option 2 - Lockdown ends Saturday, August 28

Training prep week of 30/8, full finals series with all top five teams starting September 4 and the grand final on September 26

Option 3 - Lockdown ends Saturday, September 4

Training prep week of September 6, oneweek final series with all top four teams on September 11-12 (winners from both games straight to grand final). Grand final on September 19

Option 4 - Lockdown ends Saturday, September 11

Training prep week of September 13, one week final series with all top four teams on September 18-19 (winners from both games straight to grand final). Grand final on September 26

Option 5 - Lockdown ends Saturday, September 18

Training prep week of September 20. Grand final on September 28 for top two teams as they finished the year in all grades.

Lantry said it was frustrating to have the season on hold because of the Covid lockdown, the case numbers and unfortunate deaths put things into perspective.

"Things are beyond our control and we need to accept that," he said. "Maintaining our fitness and readiness to play is within our control and I fully trust the playing group that they are doing everything required.

"The players are motivating and pushing each other to be ready to complete the job with a premiership."