NRLWA confirm July return of local competition

Avid Rugby League fans can pencil in the first weekend of July for the return of the NRL WA Smarter than Smoking Premiership.

The state-level league will commence on Saturday, 4th July 2020, with the highlight of the round being a mouth watering clash between 2019 Premiers Fremantle Roosters and North Beach Sea Eagles at Ken Allen Field.

Fremantle will be looking to reassert their claim after a long break whilst North Beach will equally be looking to make their mark early on in the season.

The season itself will run for thirteen fixtures, followed by a two week final series, culminating in a Grand Final penciled in for Saturday, 17th October.

The announcement comes after the organisation worked closely with the State Government to ensure a safe return to the playing field.

NRL WA General Manager John Sackson welcomed the return of the NRL WA season, with juniors also returning on July 5.

“This is the news we have all be waiting for and we couldn’t be happier to see rugby league given the green light to return in Western Australia,” Mr. Sackson said.

“We asked everyone for patience and understanding given the uncertainly we faced and I can’t thank our participants, parents, volunteers, partners and stakeholders enough for their support.

“I would also like to acknowledge the leadership and guidance of the West Australian Government and Sportwest in their efforts to charter a safe return to community sport, as well as Healthway, Cash Converters and Consolidated Energy for their significant contribution to the continued growth and development of rugby league in WA during this unquestionably challenging time.”

Healthway will again return as major partner with NRLWA to deliver the NRL WA Smarter than Smoking Premiership.

Healthway Director of Health Promotion Ms. Julia Knapton passed on her well wishes to all involved, after the season was earlier ground to a halt due to COVID-19.

“I wish all the players, officials and volunteers a safe return to the “Smarter than Smoking” Rugby League competition,” Ms. Knapton added via media release.

“Community sport plays such a valuable role in keeping Western Australians physically and mentally healthy, as well as the social aspect of connecting and spending time with friends.”