Praise for volunteers and fans following successful return

Queensland Rugby League regional general manager Glenn Ottaway has praised the contribution of players, volunteers and spectators after more than 30,000 people attended community rugby league matches across the weekend.

With 11 local leagues resuming under the Return to Play COVIDSafe guidelines at the weekend, eager participants took to more than 80 venues across the state.

While heavy rain provided a small setback for some clubs who were forced to close fields, Ottaway said there were still many positives to emerge from the weekend.

“It’s great that there’s a large number of people getting out to watch community rugby league to support their kids, grandchildren, nephews and nieces,” Ottaway said.

“But what is also great for us is knowing that such a significant number of people who are attending games are being vigilant by supporting the club volunteers, adhering to the protocols and signing into venues properly.”

Ottaway said there was a terrific vibe around many of the grounds.

“There was a general excitement to actually be back playing again, regardless of who you were playing, where you were playing or what the result was,” Ottaway said.

“The other positive reports that came out of our weekend debrief was the general behaviour of people.”

Ottaway congratulated the efforts of volunteers and urged the rugby league community to remain vigilant as more people returned to local grounds across the state.

“Whether it’s the coaches, the match officials, the specific volunteers that are handling gates or canteens, we know that there is a significant increase of workload on volunteers and they certainly are taking it in their stride,” Ottaway said.

“The general feeling that I get, is that our volunteers aren’t in the job for pats on the back.

“They’re in the job because they are passionate about seeing kids play sport, and rugby league, so they’ve gone above and beyond to make that happen.”