MORE than 1000 youngsters kicked off the 2020 junior rugby league season at Cook Park on Saturday.
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Despite last-minute directives from the government, in regards to coronavirus (COVID-19) measures, the hosts - the Greyhounds, along with the Muswellbrook Rams, Denman-Sandy Hollow Devils, Aberdeen Tigers and Scone Thoroughbreds, took to the field for the first time in almost 12 months.
But, it was not without a little bit of drama.
"Our committee had less than 24 hours to make a heap of changes," Singleton JRL president Kevin Lomax said.
"And, within four, we'd updated the club's safety management plan, revised the new signage guidelines and amended the sign-in declarations.
"However, we did it - and got the season underway.
"I must admit, it took a lot of effort and perseverance to put everything together.
"But, quite simply, we weren't giving up.
"We also had designated areas at each of the fields, with COVID-19 officials, so people knew where they could and couldn't go.
"A 'get-in, get-out' policy was implemented, too.
"Once players finished their respective games, they had to leave.
"I think everyone's done extremely well to adhere to the protocols.
"And, I'd like to thank the other clubs in Group 21 for their assistance and understanding.
"It makes it all worthwhile when you see the smiles on the kids' faces."