The club said it was a tough decision but necessary to keep the Tigers afloat for next year.

The committee made the call after a horror pre-season due to bushfires and the global coronavirus pandemic.

President Tony Nunn said a shortened season would not be financially viable as COVID-19 restrictions would limit home-game crowds.

He said bar, canteen, gate and barbecue takings were "where you make money" and without a decent crowd, the club would struggle.

"If we hosted a competition, the club would have been in a bad position financially," Nunn said.

"The communication between clubs is that we're all in the same boat."

Nunn said 2020 had been tough for everyone.

"Every town and every team in the group was affected by fires in some shape or form, then the rains came and things washed away and now this [pandemic]," Nunn said.

"It has been one of those years that has affected not only sport, but everyone's work and life."

Nunn said most players were keen to come back for next year's season.

"All contracts and sponsorships will be rolled over next year," he said.

He said the players had shown great commitment and hoped that would continue next year.

"Thank you to all sponsors and people who have supported the club, because without that support we wouldn't get far," he said.

To raise funds, the Tigers are running auctions and raffles through their Facebook page.

Group 16 chairman Allan Wilton said all other clubs would vote on a shortened season at the June 10 meeting via video-link.

"The meeting of all Group 16 clubs will assess the COVID-19 restrictions from the NSW Department of Health and NSW Rugby League; they will then vote to see if they will proceed in a shorter version of the Group 16 comp for 2020," he said.

NSWRL has released a COVID-19 safety plan and checklist. Players were allowed back to "social-distance training", but a plan must first be submitted to NSW Rugby League and a COVID-19 safety officer appointed.

READ MORE: Group 16 plans to start season in July

Moruya Sharks executive committee member, Chris Jay, felt the COVID-19 plan was too onerous.

"The club wants footy to return as it would be great for our community in helping to assist with the bushfire recovery process and lockdown from the pandemic," Jay said. "However, with the strict and necessary protocols required by NSWRL under their COVID safety return-to-play plan, it would be difficult for volunteer clubs, including us, to implement and manage and perhaps unviable.

He said "our priority is the health and safety of our players, visitors, volunteers and community."

Visit nswrl.com.au to view Sport Australia's "Return to Sport" Toolkit.