Reigning two-time premiers the Moree Boomerangs have withdrawn from the 2020 Group 19 season, citing the coronavirus pandemic as the major factor influencing their decision.
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Boomerangs president Mitchell Johnson said the club had made the decision "after weighing up a number of issues and consulting their players, supporters and general community members".
The club made the decision to sit out the season at a board meeting on Thursday.
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Johnson said the major concerns discussed at the meeting related to the pandemic and uncertainty surrounding the entire rugby league community - from the NRL down to grassroots footy clubs.
"The board had major concerns on a number of issues, but the overriding concern was for the health, safety and wellbeing of our players, supporters and their families," he said.
He added: "Whilst the decision to withdraw from the competition was not taken lightly by the board, we stand by our decision."
It was a widely held opinion from people within the club that they should exit the competition this year.
If the season were launched, the Boomerangs also did not want to potentially expose their supporters to a higher risk of contracting COVID-19.
Another major concern was the potential for the competition to be shortened.
Johnson said: "A shorter competition, let's face it, means fewer home games.
"And for clubs this means less opportunity to make money to pay club costs.
"Financial viability then becomes an issue."
The club said they remained affiliated with Group 19 and would be back on the paddock in 2021.
