THE Greater Northern Tigers women won't have the chance to push for the NSW Country Championships title after NSW Rugby League announced the tournament has been cancelled.
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The sport's governing body stated on Friday they would cancel nine of the state's competitions amid the coronavirus pandemic, including the country-based Andrew Johns Cup, Laurie Daley Cup, women's and under-23 men's country championships.
It comes after the Greater Northern Tigers women were set to enter the semi-finals in top spot after two wins from their opening two matches.
The Mick Schmiedel-coached team features Group 21's Hannah Rando (Murrurundi), Lucy Prudden (Merriwa), Shae Pemberton (Muswellbrook), Shai Blackadder (Merriwa), Gaynor Blackadder (Merriwa), Brooke Davis (Murrurundi), Kate Brown (Murrurundi) and Caitlin Albury (Aberdeen).
Greater Northern's under-18 Laurie Daley Cup side were also a chance of securing a finals berth when their comp was suspended.
NSWRL chief executive David Trodden said the board had no option after revised medical advice and further travel restrictions were announced.
"It is devastating for everyone involved but the advice has changed dramatically since we suspended these competitions nine days ago," he explained.
"We have an obligation to be part of the solution for this pandemic, both for the rugby league community and also for the community more generally.
"This view was uppermost in the minds of the Board.
"This issue is not as big of a concern for some of our other competitions and community football that can still be conducted over a shortened timeframe or as gala days or mini carnivals."
Trodden said the impact would be felt across the entire rugby league community in the state, including those working in the game.
NSWRL also cancelled their premier Canterbury Cup competition, and metro-based Jersey Flegg Cup, UNE SG Ball Cup, the Harvey Norman Tarsha Gale Cup and the UNE Harold Matthews Cup.