Macleay Valley Mustangs indigenous round rescheduled for next year after Group 3 decision

That's all that separated the Macleay Valley Mustangs first grade side from a top four spot in Group 3 this year as the competition moves into a four team shootout, starting on September 18.

The Mustangs finished sixth on the ladder after Wingham Tigers were the only side to play on the weekend a statewide lockdown was enforced. The Tigers defeated Taree 32-24 and received two points while other fixtures saw points shared.

Despite falling just short of the top four in first grade, Macleay Valley's 18s were minor-premiers. They will play Port City Breakers at Wauchope in their knockout semi.

"You can't help it with COVID, it's disappointing but we've still got the 18s in there," 18s coach Reuben Jones said.

"They've (NSWRL and Group 3) got a really hard job, they've got to come up with something and it's never going to please everyone."

Jones said preparation will depend on attitude if the mid north coast comes out of lockdown on September 10, as scheduled.

"I'm sure we'll be fine, it's a bit of an unknown, no one has played for a while, who knows how they'll come back after a month off," he explained.

"Hopefully they come back switched on and hungry for it, it'll be whichever team is the hungriest for it.

"It's not going to come down to training because that'll be limited.

"I'll get them back into it and hopefully they gel straight away, you're not going to get any fitter now it's just about getting cohesion and ball work happening."

The last normal round of the Group 3 season this weekend was scheduled to see Verge Street Oval host one of the biggest days on the Macleay sporting calendar with the Mustangs indigenous round.

Jerseys were prepared, however it's likely they'll be used during the 2022 season.

"Sponsors have already committed to that so it'll have to be run next year by the looks of it," Jones said.

"That's probably the most disappointing part and there's nothing anyone can do about it.

"The boys were really keen, they've been talking about that game all year but we'll just roll with the punches."

Jones said a finals finish (top five) would've been viewed as a successful season for first grade and the men were right in the mix with one round to go.

"The first grade boys can hold their heads high, the young fellas had a great year considering their age," he added.

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