Albury Wodonga Steamers forfeit two of their three games away to Tumut

The Steamers announced on Friday evening that they would be unable to send a second grade men's team or a women's side to play Tumut.

However, the first grade men's game is still set to go ahead.

"Once again we find ourselves in a situation not of our making," Steamers president Mick Raynes said.

"However, we are still looking to do what is right by our players, their families and our local community.

"No Victorian residents will be eligible to play in Tumut this weekend.

"It is unfortunate, but that is the world we live in.

"With the announcement through the Murrumbidgee Local Health District of an extra area of concern at the Fallon Street wreckers and the confirmation of a close contact of a positive case at Charles Sturt University, we ask that all players and coaches stay on top of their movements and potential interactions.

"Please heed any advice you get from NSW Health regarding your personal circumstances.

"In light of the rapidly-developing situation, we will be advising Tumut and SIRU that we are forfeiting the women's game and men's second grade game.

"We are asking all available male players to meet at Murrayfield at 10.45am to help us take a first-grade side up the freeway."

The Steamers found themselves in a similar position in May, when another Victoria lockdown prompted them to request the postponement of three games away to Wagga City.

"What we've done, and we did this last year, is we've told the players we're operating week-by-week," Raynes said.

"Every week we sit down and say 'this is the current situation and this is where our decision-making lies.'

"There's nothing more we can do.

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"This time has been different because the border bubble was created by the Victorian Government, not the NSW Government.

"The region is actually different to what it was last time, which is good, because it includes Tumut and Wagga.

"Our main focus is to protect the welfare of the players and their families."

The Steamers go into Saturday's game fourth in SIRU, one place and eight points better off than Tumut.

Kick-off is 3.15pm.

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