Maitland coach Matt Thomas has concerns about a Wildfires team entering this year's Shute Shield competition and has called on Newcastle Hunter Rugby Union (NHRU) officials to consider cancelling the 2020 season.
Thomas feels there are too many unanswered questions surrounding a potential men's representative squad playing in Sydney from July 25 while local clubs could benefit from simply "starting fresh next year" with the global coronavirus pandemic already putting the current campaign on hold.
The Blacks mentor, NSW Country coach and former Shute Shield player, who lined up against the Wildfires between 1995 and 1999, isn't convinced about another bid down in the state capital.
"If a player from any club trains with the Wildfires and then isn't selected in the final squad, are they eligible to go back and play for their club that week?" he said.
"Or will the Wildfires purely be their own entity with a top 30 and rotating roster? Where will they play and will it be on Saturdays when clubs are playing?"
Furthermore, "it would affect our clubs and how many players want to travel to Sydney every second week. It's a massive ask".
He also added: "I don't think any country zone is up to the standard of that competition [Shute Shield]. They live, eat and breath rugby down there."
In terms of the NHRU season for 2020, Thomas remained sceptical of going ahead with games especially if COVID-19 restrictions continue to impact mass gatherings across NSW.
A date for kick-off has yet to be released.
"I think we should wipe it out and start fresh next year," he said.
"If there's no spectators at grounds then how are clubs going to make money.
"[Plus] It would be like having a season without a season and how long can you keep players interested."
However, Thomas did concede, if there was no competition in Newcastle in 2020 this created a better window of opportunity for the Widlfires. "Then it might be viable," he said.
Underpinning everything, Thomas said "life is more important than rugby" during the health crisis.
Earlier this week, president Bill Clifton said the NHRU were now waiting on information from Sydney Rugby Union (SRU) regarding financials and the number of teams required on game day for Shute Shield, but any decision would "put Hunter rugby and Hunter clubs first". Newcastle may combine forces with Penrith to become the 12th Shute Shield entity, a void SRU chairman Phillip Parsons wants to fill to avoid byes during an abbreviated campaign.
Wildfires coach Scott Coleman backed the concept.
"I've said we should do it," Coleman said on Tuesday.
"If there was ever a year to do it, this is it because the local competition is already messed up. It would give us a little taste and see if we're up for it."
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