Hi everyone,

I would like to update you all on the recent activities relating to the suggested commencement of Senior Rugby League in the ACT and surrounds.

The Canberra Region Rugby League (CRRL), our governing body convened a meeting on Tuesday, 9th June 2020, which included Canberra Raiders Cup Club Presidents, the CRRL Staff, Referees and Canberra Raiders Recruitment. In this meeting, after much discussion about viability and opportunity to play a competition for 2020, each of the clubs were asked where they currently stood. I communicated at this meeting I did not have a confirmed position for the Sharks and would need to go back to the club for a unified decision.

After the CRRL meeting held on Tuesday, 9th June 2020, as President I convened a Sharks meeting on Wednesday, 10th June. This included members of the Sharks Committee, Coaching Staff and Senior Men’s and Ladies Playing Group’s. We discussed, at length, the positives and negatives of our club participating in a competition for 2020 and also our preparation and structure for 2021. Please see below summarised points of discussion:

Senior playing group all just wanting to play some footy
We all miss socialising and the comradery of our friends and colleagues
Current COVID-19 restrictions and the expected effect it was going to have on 2020 training sessions and competition games. For eg. Hygiene and Physical Distancing requirements and the ACT Government’s requirement to have a comprehensive ‘Return to Play COVID-19 Safe Plan’ prior to training taking place.
Senior player group miss the organised fitness and regular training sessions together
Financial viability of the club. The hard work from the past 4 years to build a sustainable and stable financial club. In the current fiscal environment it has been communicated by the CRRL there will be no grant monies from the Canberra Raiders, nor will there be any Sponsorship revenue for 2020. We spoke about monies already committed prior to COVID-19, for eg. club uniform and if participating in a 2020 competition what the ongoing costs would look like, for eg. strapping, additional cleaning of equipment and facilities, referees, physio and any other miscellaneous costs that may arise. A modified 2020 season would place strain on hard earned funds and do we prefer to ensure the club is in a better financial position for the commencement of the 2021 season.
Senior players raised concern about the expected short turnaround from training to then full contact competition and the additional risk in injuries it could have on the players.

After much discussion of the above, it was unanimously agreed the club would stand down for the suggested 2020 modified season, which may or may not yet proceed. It was proposed, when easing of restrictions allow we should concentrate on our off field social and community activities. As a club, giving back to our sponsors who have supported us in the past and recognising it’s now time we need to support them; to dedicate some time to our junior club which will strengthen our relationship in the future and support our junior transition into senior and most importantly maintain the amazing club base we have at the moment by organising social functions/get togethers/golf day/family day etc. throughout the remaining of this year. The above decision wasn’t made lightly by the group, but I do feel it is the right decision to ensure our club is sustainable into the future. In the meantime we will stick together throughout these unprecedented times and will be prepared for a comprehensive and fully committed 2021 pre-season, to then make an assault on the 2021 Premierships across our 3 Grades.

I think it is important to inform everyone that as at Friday, 12 June 2020, 3 Clubs advised they would participate, 5 Clubs advised they would not be involved in the competition for the 2020 season and 1 Club is still yet to make a decision. I am expecting the CRRL, to make a statement in the near future as to what will be happening with the Canberra Raiders Cup and George Tooke Competitions for the 2020 season.

If anyone has any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to give me, a member of the committee or senior playing group a call.


Darren Piercy
President