Four rugby league competitions involving more than 8500 players have now been cancelled in the Newcastle and Hunter region because of the state's ongoing coronavirus lockdown.
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Newcastle and Hunter seniors as well as Newcastle, Maitland and Hunter Valley juniors will no longer return in 2021.
The decision does not apply to the Newcastle Rugby League first grade, reserve grade and under-19 competitions.
Under the move, premiers and runners-up will be awarded based on final ladder positions.
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NSW Rugby League released a statement on Friday.
"The NSWRL would like to commend the hard work put in by all parties to come up with contingency plans to keep the season going but unfortunately it was no longer possible," NSWRL head of football Robert Lowrie said.
"It is important that we all adhere to the COVID-19 safety guidelines from the NSW government and there was no way to ensure that our clubs, volunteers and participants could return to a low-risk environment in the current climate.
"The NSWRL acknowledges the unity that was shown by all parties in reaching this decision and the tremendous work that has been done this season to achieve record participation and set the Hunter region up for further success in the future.
"The NSWRL thanks our participants, officials and volunteers for their contribution to our community competitions this season. We urge them to remain safe, adhere to the COVID-19 safe guidelines and we look forward to their return in 2022."
No decision has yet been made about Newcastle Rugby League competitions - first grade, reserves and under 19s - with hopes to resume play with a finals series if the lockdown lifts next month.
Earlier this week NSWRL canned all community competitions in greater Sydney, Central Coast, Illawarra and group 7.
Last week the state sporting body also abandoned several major competitions including the NSW Cup, NSW Women's Premiership and Ron Massey Cup.
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Josh Callinan
My name is Josh Callinan and I'm a sports journalist at the Newcastle Herald. I started with the newspaper in 2016 after a decade at the Maitland Mercury.
My name is Josh Callinan and I'm a sports journalist at the Newcastle Herald. I started with the newspaper in 2016 after a decade at the Maitland Mercury.
