Toowoomba juniors to return on July 25

Eager junior rugby league players from the Darling Downs have cleaned off their boots, washed their mouthguards and rushed to pack their footy bags in preparation for the return of the Toowoomba Junior Rugby League competition on July 25.

Yesterday’s announcement by the League was the first of a number of competitions rumoured to be returning post the coronavirus pandemic that led to a cessation of community rugby league 91 days ago.

TJRL chairman Dan Aldons said he believed it was his duty to do everything possible to get back on the field.

"The key objective of the Toowoomba Junior Rugby League under our constitution is foster, promote, support and encourage rugby league in our local area," Aldons said.

"As the chairman of the Toowoomba Junior Rugby League, it has been my vision and my intention throughout these challenging times to do everything humanly possible to make the return to play a reality."

After lengthy discussions with key stakeholders including various levels of government, the QRL and local clubs, the League outlined a plan to resume games for competitions between under 8 to under 16s, including the under 14 and 16 girls competitions, for clubs that wish to get back on the field in 2020.

Whilst a number of competitions across the state have opted to return bigger and better in 2021, Rugby League Gold Coast have also announced their intention to return on July 25, joining Toowoomba juniors as first two leagues to resume.

Further good news is expected this week as other competitions across the state are due to announce their return to play dates.