Returning to the helm this season Harley couldn't have been happier with how the Blue Boars' season preparations were going. He said the way they were training and the culture "was great".

They had also posted a good trial win over a strong Roma outfit. Their first hit-out for the season, Harley took a lot of positives away from the performance, aside from the 20-15 result.

He trialled a few things with players and positions, and was happy with how they went.

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But in the space of a couple of days the stop button was pressed on their preparations with all community rugby postponed until at least the first week of May. That was later extended to June 1, casting a pall over the Central North competition.

Following the latest announcement, Harley addressed the Blue Boars playing group - juniors, women and seniors, in a video on the club's Facebook page.

"I just thought with these uncertain times it would be great to let you know that we're all thinking of each other and where we're up to with what's going on with the COVID crisis," he said.

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Hoping that they were all "keeping well" and wishing them luck "with everything", he also spoke about "keeping healthy and fit".

"After a great pre-season it would be a shame not to be ready if this comp is reduced and does get underway in 2020," he said.

"As you saw against Roma a lot of the hard work we've put in is starting to pay off and I want us to be ready in case this comp does get underway, even it is diluted."

Last season the Blue Boars finished second before being knocked out by eventual premiers Pirates in the preliminary final.

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