The Canberra Region Rugby League (CRRL), in consultation with its senior member clubs, have taken the decision to cancel the remainder of the senior rugby league season.
This includes all the competitions associated with the Canberra Raiders Cup and George Tooke Shield, including the Katrina Fanning Shield.
Earlier today the ACT government extended the current lockdown until at least the 17th of September with further uncertainty surrounding the NSW regional lockdown, as cases remain high.
CRRL General Manager Mark Vergano stated,
“Whilst the CRRL explored every avenue in an attempt to hold a finals series after the premature end to the regular season, there are still active cases in the community of the Delta variant and we all have a duty of care to our players, volunteers and staff to keep them safe.
“The CRRL and the clubs understand this will be of a great disappointment to all the senior players, however there is a social responsibility and a duty of care to ensure that all our great rugby league players and supporters are safe and supportive of the community’s and governments’ attempts, on both sides of the border, to lessen potential virus exposure for everyone,” Vergano said.
The window to complete the season by the end of September was lessening and with the challenges of cross border movement the CRRL and clubs believed this cancellation of the season was the most responsible decision.
The CRRL committee will make a decision on the competition outcomes shortly (i.e. premiership outcomes).
The CRRL would like to thank its players and outstanding volunteers who participate and stage matches every weekend and without whom there would be no competition.
Please stay safe and follow all health guidelines.
Canberra Region Rugby League.
Photo by Trisha Sullivan
