Group 10: Last round of regular season matches are cancelled due to regional lockdown

Following discussions with NSW Rugby League the Group 10 committee declared that play is next scheduled to resume on August 28 and 29 - the opening round of finals.

"This would see resumption of play with clubs having one week's training heading into the start of semi-finals," the statement read.

"Resumption of play the weekend of 28th and 29th will occur only if there is unanimous support by all clubs."

A week without training was a serious concern that was brought up by Group 10 president Linore Zamparini over the weekend, and Bathurst Panthers manager Danny Dwyer agreed that it would present a hurdle.

Dwyer said, prior to Group 10's Tuesday announcement, that it was going to be a challenging build up to the weekend.

"I think Doug [Hewitt, coach] jokingly said to everyone 'I'll send you all a training program through the week for lockdown' but they're trying to keep themselves ticking over," he said.

"Going into that St Pat's performance we hadn't played for four weeks and only now putting two games back-to-back, so it does take you a little while to get back to where you were."

It's been a season of many disruptions for all teams, due to the lockdown, the disproportionate number of sides between premier league and other grades, plus the withdrawal of Lithgow Workies .

Panthers hadn't played for four weeks and St Pat's hadn't been in action for three weeks when the clubs came together for their recent Bathurst derby, which finished 28-all.

Panthers are now set to host Mudgee Dragons in the qualifying semi-final while Orange Hawks will be welcoming St Pat's for the elimination semi-final.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content: