CRRL releases draws and name change for senior competition in 2020

The Canberra Raiders Cup will become the CRRL Cup in 2020, a switch which CRRL chairman, Gary Green, said reflected the unique circumstances of the year as a whole.

"The Canberra Raiders Cup itself was 'null and voided' by the committee in keeping with the prevailing challenges clubs have had to come to grips with in participating in competitions in this COVID-affected environment," Green said.

"By renaming the Cup for this season to the CRRL Cup, it acknowledges that the competition for 2020 is a totally amateur competition and that there is changed circumstances for the season."

The Goulburn Bulldogs confirmed last month that they will not put forward a side in any grade this season, and were one of six teams to do so.

Instead, the CRRL added the Canberra Raiders Under 20s side to the first grade competition, making it a four-team affair in 2020.

Green commended all teams remaining in each competition for their determination to see the shortened season through.

"In many ways, the players will be playing in a unique competition in extraordinary circumstances and the CRRL and rugby league appreciate their commitment to the game itself," he said.

"Having the Raiders Under 20s team participating brings a very different element to the CRRL competition along with the Woden Valley Rams, Gungahlin Bulls and Queanbeyan Blues."

The CRRL competitions will get a ten-week season underway on July 25, with grand finals scheduled for the weekend of September 26 and 27.

The only senior Goulburn team to field a side this year will be the Gordon Highlanders, who confirmed their re-entry to the George Tooke Shield last week.

Both the George Tooke Shield and Katrina Fanning Shield (the women's open tackle competition) will retain their regular names this year, but their draws were not released alongside the others today.

Though the Bulldogs have pulled out of the senior competitions, the Stockmen have confirmed their presence in the junior competitions, starting from Friday, July 17.

For further details regarding the 2020 draws, please visit the Canberra Region Rugby League website or click here.

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