League knockout KO'd

THE Rugby league public will have to wait another year to witness fast and furious pre-season action as the Rhinos’ inaugural 16-team knockout has been postponed.

Rhinos president Tony Stackhouse contacted the Examiner to confirm the knockout will not be going ahead. “It’s an unfortunate situation but we had no alternative but to postpone the carnival,” he said.

“We received nominations from a number of teams but decided it was not feasible to run the two-day event.”

Stackhouse said a combination of communication breakdown from some group secretaries and the timing of the knockout contributed to the lack of numbers.

“We had nominations from 8-9 teams but some teams we contacted had other plans in place. Another reason may have been the late start of the Northern Rivers Regional Rugby League competition with sides indicating they have not been in training for that long... fitness was concern of several coaches.”

Stackhouse said plans were already in place to run the $10,000 Knockout next year.

“We will definitely be running the event next year and would like to thank the rugby club for their co-operation with the rugby ground,” he said.

Local teams to nominate included Lower Clarence, Casino and Northern United.