IT'LL be a State Cup like no other for the three Taree teams involved in this year's event starting at Port Macquarie today.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
As with other sporting events held throughout the world this year strict COVID-19 protocols will be in place.
Taree will be represented in the open women's B division, senior mixed (over 30) and 60s men.
"The area will be split into four zones and teams can't leave their allotted zone,'' Taree Touch president Graham Goodwin said.
Games will be played in each half hour starting at 8am and concluding after the 9.30 game for the first section of fixtures. There be a 1.5 hour break before while teams vacate their section and the next lot of matches start.
Sides will play back-to-back games and then a break before the third. Some sides will play three consecutive games. Matches will be of 25 minute duration, with a turnaround after a touchdown.
No spectators will be allowed.
"It will be different,'' Mr Goodwin, a veteran of many State Cups as a player, coach and now referee said.
"But at least we're getting a State Cup. For much of the year it didn't looks as though it would go ahead and I know there's been a lot of organisation involved.''
Taree women, to be coached by Kelsey Schneider, face a tough pool in the B division.
"They'll be up against city teams - not their No 1 side, but they'll still be strong,'' Mr Goodwin said.
Taryn Jacklin has charge of the mixed side. The majority, including Maddie Atkins, Luke Murray and Todd Bridge have played open division at State Cup previously and they are expected to be competitive, although again there'll be a number of city associations involved in the eight team pool.
There are four teams in the 60 men and they'll play each other twice. Garry Newman is captain-coach of the Taree side and they're also expected to perform solidly, although as is always the case in this division, injuries can be a determining factor.
Mr Goodwin, Phil Rainger, Jason Allan and Bernie Doran will be the referees from Taree. They'll do three games on each day.
Finals will be played on Sunday.
In all 196 teams have entered the various divisions for the State Cup. The event has been a permanent fixture in Port Macquarie since 1990.
Meanwhile Taree junior teams are in training for the junior State Cup to be played in Port Macquarie next February.
Taree will be represented in all 10 divisions, starting with the under 10 boys and girls.
The Taree domestic competitions started in October with a strong response in the junior grades.
Junior grand finals will be played on Monday, December 14.
However, the senior mixed competitions, played on Monday night, will break for Christmas/New Year and resume in late January.