By MARK CASHMAN

The Shute Shield competition may not be up and running until sometime in August.

The likelihood of an extension to the Sydney lockdown means that the Sydney Rugby Union’s hopes of getting things underway again towards the end of July are optimistic at best.

The SRU did think that July 24 or July 31 may be viable dates for a restart but that has been knocked around a bit by the surge of numbers from the Delta variant and also the fact that restrictions may be imposed even after lockdown ends.

What that all means is still very unclear but things like the ability of the Hunter Wildfires to travel to Sydney or even host a home game in Newcastle may be under threat.

Many of the clubs are keen to get in their derby games – like Warringah v Manly and Gordon v Norths – in any sort of reshaped draw.

Waratahs contracted players also go on leave at the end of September which is another consideration in any decision that needs to be made.

That means that the scenario of playing Round 11,12 and 13 and then heading into a finals series is one option.

Leichhardt Oval has been booked for the grand final on the original date of Saturday September 11 with fall back dates of October 9 and 16.

A lot of water needs to go under the bridge before we really know where the competition will land and decisions will be made after the latest State Government advice is considered.

Stay tuned!

IMAGE: KAREN WATSON