The Burrangong Bears are set to complete a switch from the Woodbridge Cup to the George Tooke Shield in 2020.
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The club's players and volunteers still indicated a desire to play footy, despite a recent call from Woodbridge Cup to forgo a shortened season.
It led the Bears to an opportunity presented by Canberra Region Rugby League to participate in a nine-round George Tooke Shield competition.
"The decision was made by the Burrangong club after consultation with the players and volunteers who were still keen to get out and play some footy this year," Bears secretary James Sheehan said.
"Personally I am looking forward to seeing Burrangong grow with this opportunity, despite the issues with COVID-19, 2020 is shaping up to be a good year in sports."
The George Tooke Shield has had a big shake-up with many clubs deciding to sit out due to the coronavirus.
The Bears join Bungendore Tigers, Gunning Roos and Goulburn-based Gordon Highlanders.
Nearby towns Boorowa Rovers, Harden Hawks and Binalong Brahams have withdrawn.
A grand final day is expected to pit together the minor premiers and runners up in September.
The Bears are set to field a men's and ladies' league-tag side, and have thrown open their door to players who are looking for a game.
"We are already in negotiation with some players from teams that have forgone the season around the region such as Cowra, Grenfell, Binalong and Harden but we are keen to try and accommodate any players of any ability that want to give it a go this season. We are especially looking for a few more League Tag ladies that may be keen to round out the squad," Sheehan said.
Sheehan said the Bears were definitely set to play in the Woodbridge Cup, and he hopes all clubs bounce back better than ever in 2020.
"On behalf of Burrangong, we hope to see all the clubs in Woodbridge back and ready to take on the 2021 season. The decision that was made was collectively agreed upon to keep the volunteers and sponsors best interests in mind. The decision was taken hard by Burrangong as we were looking forward to rejoining the competition after a rough 2019 saw us sit out the Woodbridge season," he said.
The Bears will train on Tuesdays and Fridays at Miller Henry Oval, Burrangong, pending clearance on their COVID-19 plan from NSWRL.
For more information contact the Bears on Facebook or send a message to burrangong@hotmail.com
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