THE Singleton Greyhounds have put the safety of their players first - and withdrawn from the Newcastle and Hunter Community Rugby League competition in 2020.
But, they're not alone, with the Greta-Branxton Colts doing likewise in men's A grade, too.
Both Bengalla Hunter Valley Group 21 clubs were scheduled to contest the amateur format, which was due to kick off last weekend.
However, new concerns surrounding coronavirus (COVID-19) over the past week played a major role in the organisations' respective decisions.
"Yes, we officially pulled out, effective today (Thursday, July 23)," Singleton Greyhounds president Brad Schultz said.
"That's all our senior sides - firsts, reserves, under-18s and ladies league tag.
"It's regrettable but player welfare is paramount.
"On Tuesday (July 21), following the first round postponement, Newcastle and Hunter Community Rugby League wanted the clubs to consider a number of different options with Central Coast coming on board.
"From our perspective, we were worried about the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in NSW, especially Port Stephens and East Maitland.
"As well, Central Coast is fairly close to Sydney.
"It was too much of a risk to our community to continue on with everyone's health being our number one priority.
"We then put it to the players at training, on Tuesday and Wednesday, who ultimately made the call.
"I can't blame them; I was concerned, too.
"The Greyhounds don't want to place our players, their parents and grandparents at risk for a simple game of footy.
"With Central Coast taking part in the comp, logistics would have been an issue as well.
"We were so close yet so far from playing.
"Everyone worked their butts off to get where we are and made a lot of sacrifices, however 2020 is not to be."
Schultz said the Greyhounds would now turn their attention to 2021 - and Group 21 again.
"We'll catch up and have a drink [this weekend], then start planning for next season," he told the Argus.
"We'd like to thank our players, their families, sponsors and supporters for sticking with us this year.
"We promise we will be back bigger and better in 2021."

Originally posted on The Singleton Argus website
​https://www.singletonargus.com.au/story/6847510/greyhounds-colts-bow-out-of-competition/?cs=1660

By Hunter River Times -  Alex Tigani

​Singleton Greyhounds senior president Brad Schultz has commended his playing group following the club’s decision to withdraw from the Newcastle and Hunter Community Rugby League (NHCRL) competition in 2020.
“The decision has been made and that’s effective as of today (Thursday),” Schultz told The Hunter River Times on Thursday.
“When the Central Coast teams came into the fold, we put it out to our playing group and spoke about the increasing number of COVID-19 cases coming up from Sydney.
“To our players’ credit a total of 80% put their hand up and said they didn’t want to be the ones responsible to spread the disease back to Singleton and share it with their friends, families and grandparents.
“So we’re happy with our decision and now its onward to 2021 now.”
The club’s four senior grades were due to play off against Newcastle based clubs in a shortened season.
This was due to the cancellation of the Bengalla Hunter Valley Group 21 season on Sunday, June 14.
The Greyhounds, along with Greta Branxton and the Denman under-18 side, then ventured to the proposed competition which was set to commence last weekend.
However, the opening round was postponed.
Greyhounds players gathered for a light training session tonight before gathering for a barbeque while adhering to social distancing restrictions.

Orginally posted on Hunter River Times website 
https://hunterrivertimes.com.au/greyhounds-players-inspire-clubs-withdrawal/?fbclid=IwAR2-W4Sbr4v90CeaVf-Ip-MrSVSvm2Zkd82XZgD7S7qUvOITyivQfbM1O6c