WITH an extension of the regional New South Wales lockdown tipped to be announced on Thursday, Group 10 management has revealed its contingency plan for the remainder of the season.
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Group 10 had already announced on Tuesday that the last round of the regular season slated to take place this weekend would not proceed - games have been declared a COVID draw - and the aim would be to begin the finals series on August 28 and 29.
Under that plan the grand finals would be conducted on September 19.
But with escalating COVID-19 case numbers across regional New South Wales this week - including in the Western NSW Local Health Area - the likelihood of the original seven-day lockdown being extended is high.
Therefore Group 10 has put plans in place to cover that scenario should it eventuate. It takes into account that teams can not train during lockdown.
"If lockdowns continue, there are options available to proceed with a five team, four week finals series by extending the season up until the weekend of 16-17 October," Group 10 said in a statement.
"Any resumption of play beyond next weekend would see a need for a minimum of two weeks training prior to competition recommencement with consideration for player safety."
It has been revealed that Orange CYMS are Group 10's club champions for 2021, a title which Bathurst Panthers won in 2019 when a full season of play was last conducted.
Group 10 officials remain confident that a finals series will go ahead this year.
"Group 10 is in a positive position compared to competitions in Greater Western Sydney and we are optimistic that we can conclude our season," the statement said.
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