Newcastle Rugby League will work towards the July 18 restart date set down by the state governing body but the 2020 season may hinge on whether crowds are allowed to attend matches.
This year's Newcastle RL campaign, due to kick-off last weekend, was suspended on March 18 because of the global coronavirus pandemic but NSW Rugby League announced a new target for senior competitions on Wednesday.
The latest plan for an abbreviated campaign would see training resume on July 1, a day after the NSW governement's current public health order expires in relation to COVID-19, followed by games a few weekends later.
All prospective dates will be reassessed by June 1.
One of the main sticking points for Newcastle RL could be restrictions surrounding the number of people permitted in crowds with most clubs heavily reliant on gate takings and bar revenue from home fixtures.
Non-essential gatherings are currently scrapped across the country.
How strict those measures will be come mid-July remains to be seen, however, club finances are already likely to take a hit with many sponsors impacted by the health crisis.
If crowds are also limited, or still completely banned, clubs would probably need to review player payments.
"The critical one for us will be crowds," Newcastle RL chief executive officer Matt Harris said.
"If there are no crowds then clubs aren't generating any money and that would impact player payments.
"We will know more [about restrictions] by the start of June and regroup then."
Harris described Wednesday's announcement by NSWRL as "an amber light, not a green light or a red light" which provided a "bit of optimism about the possibility of a season" and "a date to look forward to".
Newcastle RL are now working towards a 10-round season with a three-week finals series and October decider. Harris said early August would be the latest potential start date.
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