Western Mustangs players will be available for various TRL clubs this year should the competition kick off.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought a premature end to the Hastings Deering Colts and Auswide Bank Mal Meninga Cup seasons meaning the Mustangs under 18s and under 20s campaigns were over for 2020.

But there is hope that community footy could be played this year as COVID restrictions are eased.

Should community footy start this year, the Mustangs have agreed to release their players so they can take up any opportunities to play with TRL clubs.

“The reason why we have released them is to give something back to the clubs who have nurtured them and to provide these talented guys from across our region the chance to play this year,” Mustangs Chairman Frank Martin said.

“While it’s disappointing that the Hastings Deering Colts and Mal Meninga Cup seasons have been cancelled given how strong our squads looked this year, we’re happy to see the boys get to play should community footy get the green light.

“The players worked extremely hard over the pre-season and made a great start to the year, so we’re happy for them to play for their local club now our season is over and hopefully build on the great work they did with our coaches and the Fit Lab strength and conditioning team.

“It’s up to the TRL clubs who they choose to play, but we’re happy for our players to be available for selection.”

One such player keen to enjoy some game time this year is Mustangs under 20s captain Jordan Crocker.

The talented second-rower impressed with his work ethic and leadership during the pre-season and earned the honour of leading the Mustangs colts out in their first round draw with Souths-Logan.

The Hastings Deering Colts was cancelled after that first round, so Crocker is excited about the prospect of footy returning for in 2020.

He is available for Pittsworth this year as the chance to play with some good mates got him to commit to the Danes.

“It would just be good to get out there with your mates again and have some fun,” he said.

“We put in all of that work (in Mustangs pre-season) for nothing, so it would be pretty great to have a run this year.”