Fears for the future of rugby league in West Wyalong are emanating throughout the town after a decision to move their juniors into Group 20 was made by NSW Rugby League.
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While the Mallee Men play in Group 20 senior competition the junior club have been part of the Group 11 Lachlan District competition.
However they've been refused entry for next season.
The same thing happened last year before the decision was successfully appealed to the Country Rugby League board, but after the early merger of the two peak bodies, West Wyalong have had their latest attempt to remain in Group 11 rejected.
Rodney Crowe, the West Wyalong Junior Rugby League vice president, believes the club is a risk of folding if the decision isn't overturned.
He said parents are currently unwilling to commit to the extra travel the move to Group 20 would bring, especially during this period of drought, and are more than happy with the current arrangement with Group 11.
"It works better for the juniors where they are," Crowe said.
"The travel is a lot less.
"Most of our games are about an hour from town whereas the closest would be Lake Cargelligo, which is 115kms away."
The existing committee have also indicated they will resign if they are forced into Group 20.
West Wyalong were told the move was aimed at aligning senior and junior clubs within groups.
However Condobolin and Grenfell have their senior sides in the Woodbridge Cup while Red Bend don't have a senior club at all.
When the process first started 12 months ago West Wyalong were informed Group 20 would liaise with the club on their plans for 2020, but Crowe said there has been no communication besides registration forms, which also were sent from Group 11, being received.
Crowe also fears if the move isn't overturned many existing juniors in Group 20 will be unwilling to travel to West Wyalong.
"They tried it years ago and players wouldn't travel to Wyalong for games," he said.
"We wouldn't want to get to a point where if ever fortnight we travel and play but every other fortnight at home you might not have a game.
"The fact they want to play most of their games on Sundays to coincide with the seniors doesn't work for West Wyalong where a number of kids play other sports.
"Junior league in West Wyalong has always been on a Saturday and it works that way."
West Wyalong are also disappointed with the lack of consultation with them over the decision.
NSW Rugby League officials did not return calls from The Daily Advertiser.
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