IT was the news that two-and-half-thousand Group 10 Junior Rugby League players were waiting to hear - they have been given the tick of approval to lace up their boots in 2020.
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On Tuesday the state government announced as part of its COVID-19 recovery plan that sport for those aged 18 and under would be permitted to start as of July 1.
That announcement was followed soon after by an update from New South Wales Rugby League confirming that junior competitions could commence in July.
NSWRL chief executive David Trodden also said that training in groups of up to 10 can now begin as soon as clubs have complied with the body's COVID-19 regulations.
Then come July 1, NSWRL plan to permit full-contact training so juniors can prepare for season openers.
"This is a really positive outcome, not only for the rugby league community, but the broader community and we are grateful that the New South Wales Government has given the green light for a return to children's sport," Trodden said.
"It is really important though that we all remain vigilant and adhere to the COVID-19 guidelines that have been set so we can all enjoy the return of sport for the long-term."
Group 10 Junior Rugby League president Martin Power was delighted to hear the news.
"It would have been very difficult for us if it [season start] was delayed further," Power said.
"It is good news, the devil will be in the detail now I guess. We have to wait and see what all the protocols will be, but at least it is promising news at this stage.
"I'd still say it will be 18th of July though that we start, by the time we have training and do all the compliance and that sort of stuff, but that's good news.
"In Group 10 we'd be looking at about two-and-a-half thousand kids."
Western Region Academy of Sport executive director Candice Boggs was also thrilled with the announcement, saying "that's massive, that's fantastic."
"I'd say 98 percent of our athletes are under 18," she said.
As part of the easing of restrictions, the state government announced indoor recreational facilities could re-open, albeit with restricted numbers.
"To have access to facilities now, that is going to be a big relief to the kids that have been sitting at home and our coaches as well, they are so keen to get back out and start working with the kids," Boggs said.
"They've been doing well, but I know they're itching to get back out on the court, or the bike or the course."
Meanwhile gyms across the city will be keen to open their doors back up after the state government announced a June 13 reopening date for their return to activities.
CrossFit 2795's Dan George was thrilled to hear Tuesday's announcement.
"We're ecstatic. It's a huge relief just to be able to give back to the people. We're currently in week 11 of being only online, and it's been great given what was possible, but that face-to-face work and being able to roll the doors back up - I can't wait," he said.
"The support from the CrossFit community has kept the motivation up, and it's what's allowed for our survival and our ability to open things back up on June 13.
"We'll have to run a few extra classes to spread numbers around, but we'll be doing what we can to get back in there and get back to normality as much as we can.
"We've got our COVID plan ready to roll out."
A decision on a potential return date for adult community sport has not yet been made.
