A heavily water-laden George Brown Memorial Oval was deemed unplayable and matches were called off early on Sunday morning. 

Roosters president Garry Arkin said Group 16 has now “left the door open” for the two clubs to discuss a date and time to catch up the round. 

Group 16 had set aside a “rain weekend”, but it came a bit early. 

“Unfortunately the weekend they set aside for the wet weather round was last weekend,” Arkin said. 

“The games will have to be played mid week at a date that is yet to be fixed.”

The games are likely to be held on a Tuesday or Wednesday during July. 

The delay means the first grade Roosters have been off the park for almost a month.

Arkin said the Roosters are itching to get back on the field. 

“It will be their first game in four weeks at home to Cooma next weekend. 

“Unfortunately the Bega Rec Ground has been closed due to the weather for the past week.

“So we’re a bit behind on our ball work, but Ryan [Apps] will have the guys up for the game.”

However, the squad has been training hard at the Bega United Fitness gym. 

“Sean Ruzicka and Ryan are putting the squad through their paces.”

Arkin was surprised to hear of an upset victory by Cooma over the premiership favourite Moruya Sharks. 

“With Cooma coming off a win over Moruya will really throw some interest in the match. 

“It’s just a matter of whether we have enough game time under our belts, that will be a big issue,” he said. 

 Meanwhile, a masters clash between the two clubs was also called off. 

“The masters game will be rescheduled as well,” Arkin said. 

“We’re not too sure if it will go ahead this year, but even if it doesn’t it will be back on the calendar.

“We’re going to make it an annual event.”

However, there is a chance the masters clash could be played in Bega during round 12 when the Tigers visit. 

“There’s an opportunity for the game to be played here.”

The decision will depend on negotiations between the two clubs and Group 16. 

This weekend’s clash with Cooma also marks the Roosters’ “giving back to the community day”. 

The proceeds of the day normally go directly to the Bega CanAssist. 

However, this year the funds will be split 50-50 with the rebuilding of the Bega Rec Ground canteen. 

Money will be raised through a variety of raffles, donations and an auction of special pink jerseys the club will wear on Sunday. 

“We’ll have four teams wearing pink jumpers,” Arkin said. 

“We do a bucket run and a jumper auction – the first grade jumpers are auctioned off after the game.”