Southern Inland to go ahead despite low first grade commitment

More than half the clubs may not nominate a team in the top grade this season due to the impact of the coronavirus crisis.

Initially set to expand to a nine-team competition with the addition of Hay in 2020, Southern Inland president Warwick Grant revealed the competition will go ahead with only four teams if necessary.

Following a meeting on Wednesday night, only premiers Waratahs, Wagga City, CSU and Tumut are committed to having a first grade side at this stage.

Leeton are still weighing up their options.

Clubs have been given until close of business on Friday to finalise their numbers to nominate teams across four grades.

There are doubts if grand finalists Ag College will have any men's sides in the competition while Hay has already opted just to enter their women's team.

It comes as Griffith elected to pull out of the competition entirely earlier this week.

Albury had already withdrawn from first grade but are looking to fill places in the women's and a third grade competition to help promote their junior base.

Southern Inland are looking at having two and potentially three rounds in the first grade competition to ensure the sport continues.

Grant is confident clubs remain in support of the season going ahead.

"They just to play football," Grant said.

"By close of business Friday we will know exactly what teams we will have."

Depending on whether the Phantoms commit the season will start on July 18 or 25.

Juniors are also looking to start on July 25.

"If we were down to four Jack (Heffernan) was going to look to see if we could possibly squeeze in three rounds for the first grade but I'm not sure if we have enough time," Grant said.

"We want to finish by the end of September as if when you get into October people have too many things they want to do."

Grant expects to have a "full quota" of second grade and women's teams locked in with a draw to be finalised on Monday.