As a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic and the financial restrictions its protocols have placed on clubs, the Group 4 board, in consultation with the clubs, elected to call off the senior 2020 season earlier this month.

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Group 4 chairman Ray McCoy and his board will meet on Thursday night to discuss a range of items in preparation for Sunday's meeting.

McCoy said: "That general meeting in Gunnedah will not only include all Group 4 clubs but [also] representatives from the Group 4 Referees Association, Group 4 Junior Rugby League and the NSWRL."

McCoy said topics to be covered at the meeting included the cancellation of the 2020 season, ongoing COVID-19 protocols and the need to support the Group 4 Junior Rugby League.

He said other topics included the future of women's rugby league, the clubs' strategic plans moving forward, growing referee numbers and preparing for season 2021.

The possibility of staging a Greater Northern Academy under-18 competition or gala days this year would also be touched on, he said.

He added: "Following the merger of Country Rugby League with the New South Wales Rugby League, it is anticipated that NSWRL's Scott Bone will also be on hand to provide clarity to the Group 4 clubs on rugby league's future direction in the Greater Northern region."

Sunday's meeting starts at 10.30am and will be held at the Gunnedah Services Club.