PLANS by the Sunraysia Rugby League to begin its competition next month have been thrown into disarray after the Victorian Government on Friday halted the resumption of full-contact training and sporting competition for people aged 19 and over in regional Victoria.

Three teams – Mildura Tigers, Mildura Warriors and Robinvale Storm – were due to kick off the new season on August 8.

The intention was to play nine rounds with the top two playing off in the grand final on October 10.

New NRL Sunraysia game development officer Trevor Ryan on Friday said the league would now take a “wait-and-see” approach depending on advice from the Victorian Government.

Full-contact training was scheduled to resume on Monday, with full-contact competition set to return on July 20.

However, the Victorian Government said that in line with the directions of Chief Health Officer Professor Brett Sutton, it was necessary to postpone the move.

With a significant increase in coronavirus cases in Melbourne and active cases in a number of regional communities, Prof Sutton has determined that community sport in regional Victoria must remain non-contact.

The government said the decision would be tough for many regional Victorian clubs and communities and it was not taken lightly, but was essential to slow the spread of coronavirus and save lives.

It said the decision had been “difficult but necessary”.

The Victorian Government said it would continue to work with the sport and recreation sector to explore recovery options and help clubs return to play when it was safe to do so.