NEWCASTLE Rugby League officials remain committed to finishing the 2021 season even if it means a condensed finals series and players returning after an extended period off the field.
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Whether or not competition resumes is still uncertain following this week's extension to the state's coronavirus lockdown, however, discussions continue about potential formats for the play-offs and working towards a decider at McDonald Jones Stadium on October 2.
Newcastle RL chief executive officer Charlie Haggett said on Friday "we'll keep it open as long as we can".
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Public health orders are now in place across NSW until midnight on September 10, which becomes the crunch date in terms of what happens next.
If COVID-19 restrictions don't ease enough, it would likely spell the end for this campaign.
If given the green light to play again, the earliest possible return would be September 18-19 which allows teams a minimum of one week to train.
However, having been sidelined since at least August 1 and facing the prospect of almost two months between games, some coaches have started to question whether they would need longer to prepare for a tilt at the premiership.
This scenario could commence on September 25-26.
Haggett said he was still waiting on official confirmation from NSW Rugby League having requested the grand final be pushed back to the October long weekend, 24 hours prior to the NRL decider.
Based on best-case timelines, Newcastle RL essentially have a "three-week window" to get back on the field in first grade, reserves and under 19s.
"We're trying to look at all options to go ahead," Haggett said.
Meanwhile, group 21 seniors continue holding discussions about resuming the Upper Hunter competition with a shortened finals series next month while group 21 juniors have now abandoned their season.
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