It seems a long way off at the moment especially after the season was delayed for another month at least, but Pirates co-coach Mick Squires remains optimistic that they will get on the field this season.
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All rugby-related activities were originally suspended until May, but on Friday - ironically on the eve of when the Central North competition was scheduled to kick-off - Rugby Australia announced that the organisation,collectively with the state and territory member unions, had made the decision to further postpone community rugby across the country until at least June 1.
Squires wasn't surprised by the news.
"Obviously once the government put the 90-day restrictions in... Unless they bring it forward rugby's not coming forward," he said.
"Hopefully we'll get some rugby.
"But first and foremost we just want to get society back to normal."
He has likened the enforced delayed start as like getting all through the pre-season and then injuring yourself in the final trial game and not being able to play for two months.
Chasing an historic fifth straight premiership, the premiers were building nicely before the unprecedented circumstances saw the season effectively "put on ice".
Taking over the coaching duties this season with Todd Pascoe, Squires said the delay was "disappointing" after having put so much work into planning the season.
That season now looks "totally different" to when they started mapping out their plan. The best case scenario is a one round competition.
"We've got to play," Squires said.
"You just couldn't imagine no sport for the year. You'd think at some stage we'll get going."
"And I don't think anyone will enjoy their rugby as much as they do this year when they finally get back on the field."
Until then all the players can do is train off their own back, albeit by increasingly limited avenues.
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Squires isn't too concerned though about what physical shape they will return in. As he said, most of them keep themselves pretty fit and healthy anyway.
His main concern is their mental health. Unable to train or even really see each other since March 17, he spoke about the importance of staying connected.
That is even more important now, he said, facing at least another month on what they thought before they can even get back into training.
They have set up a players and coaches page so they can stay in touch with each other.
"My and Todd's job as coaches is to check on everyone now and then to see they're doing alright," he said.
He added: "It's funny but in society some people need things more than others."
Rugby isn't any different.
"To some rugby is a bit of fun and it's a bit of a hobby, and to others they need it," he said.
