NRL Coronavirus: Newtown Jets deliver desperate plea to members as iconic club faces uphill survival battle
The Newtown Jets have delivered a desperate plea to fans and members as the iconic club fight to keep their head above water following the Canterbury Cup season's cancellation.
After the NRL elected to suspend the season after round two in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, the heartbreaking decision was made to cancel second-tier competitions in NSW and Queensland entirely.
It meant the NSW Rugby League were forced to put a line through the Canterbury Cup, Jersey Flegg and seven other state competitions, placing the entire organisation at severe financial risk.
With all second-tier clubs relying heavily on funding from the NRL, the dire financial circumstances the governing body finds itself in presents grave fears for the survival of traditional clubs such as Newtown.
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And last year's Canterbury Cup premiers have pleaded with their passionate fans for support as the club faces a desperate fight to live on.
"This is a terrible time for our nation and the entire world," a statement on the club's website read.
"It also represents a dire challenge to the continued existence of the Newtown Rugby League Football Club."
"Our competition, Canterbury Cup NSW has been cancelled and there will not be any further games played at all in 2020. This is especially disappointing given our great start. Our players put in an enormous pre-season which was reflected in our Round 1 performance.
"The season’s cancellation represents a total wipe-out of the club’s main source of income, revenue from home games played at Henson Park. This enormous financial dislocation represents a genuine threat to the Newtown club’s ability to survive into the future.
"Our club is committed to meeting its obligations to our players, suppliers and staff. Our fixed liabilities mostly occur at the beginning of the season and are substantial.
"We are currently doing everything we can to minimise expenditure and sincerely thank our loyal sponsors for sticking with us, but now more than ever we need our members, supporters and friends to do the same to help our club survive and ensure we return in 2021."
The Jets have launched a new 'Keep the Jets Flying' membership package that encourages fans to donate to the club in return for memorabilia.
It comes after AFL club Carlton were forced to break their partnership with long-time VFL affiliate Northern Blues, causing the 138-year-old club to fold.