In positive news for the region's young and aspiring rugby league stars, the Group 19 junior season will proceed.
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The Group 19 junior rugby league committee left the decision on whether they felt a 2020 season was viable up to the clubs.
Although several club withdrew for this year, three clubs - Armidale, Inverell and Glen Innes - have committed to a shortened and modified season while Guyra are still in the process of making a decision.
"We went through all the clubs and they went away to their committee and their communities to find out what the best situation for them was," Group 19 junior rugby league president Damien Young said.
"A lot of clubs wanted to play but it came back to their volunteers, they just couldn't seem to get enough volunteers.
"For what they have to do, the volunteers weren't there.
"There wasn't a lack of trying, every club did their best.
"Some clubs just thought that it wasn't for them, this season, that is all."
The draw is still in the process of being written but the season's start is anticipated to be on July 18.
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Young said they're unsure as to whether the 12-week season will take on a finals series but, regardless, the committee are just hoping for as much participation in the sport as possible.
"I don't think we will have a finals series as such this year," he said.
"I think what we will do is just play footy.
"It is good to see we have got that going ahead for the kids this season after what sort of year it has been so far.
"We are just happy to be up and running for the season."