GROUP 4's 2020 four-grade competition could start at the end of July and end with a unique "Top Eight Showdown".
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The July 25/26 restart is the recommended "redraw" clubs will given after being approved by the Group 4 Board, advises Group 4 president Ray McCoy.
He and the Group 4 directors have been in contact with all the clubs and received plenty of suggestions as "we await further directives from NSWRL as to the lifting of restrictions on community rugby league (all community league activities are presently suspended until at least May 1)" and will forward their plan to the clubs.
"I'm in the process of preparing a draft competition draw for our 2020 season, once we have been given to green light to commence playing," McCoy said.
"I have received a number of constructive suggestions from our clubs recently, all with merit, but I believe that Geoff Sharpe's (Kootingal coach) is a winner.
"Subject to NSWRL approval, this would see us totally erase our Round 1 draw and kick off fresh with our seven-game Round 2 draw, on the dates already designated, or alternative dates if required.
"This would be followed by a final 8-10 series with all teams having a shot at the title: first grade and under-18s: 1 v 8, 2 v 7, 3 v 6, 4 v 5; reserve grade and ladies league tag: 1 v 10, 2 v 9, 3 v 8, 4 v 7, 5 v 6.
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"Now the 'draft' recommencement plan has received Board approval, we can provide our clubs with a starting point to aim for so that they can regather the playing group and be ready to play when required."
McCoy said the late July restart still offers a good season.
"Everyone has sent us suggestions, it's all been very constructive. Everyone has stayed positive so that we have got a strategy so that we are able to play if we are allowed to play," he said.
"This also gives all the clubs an opportunity to get their players fit enough to be ready. What it has done is given everyone goalposts to aim at."
McCoy said NSWRL directives will be followed at all times but if current restrictions are lifted the Group 4 Board will also address "club requests for their special days".
"Rather than sit back and wait, let's do our best to lead community rugby league forward," McCoy added.
He looks forward to further input from all the clubs.
