By Tallon Smith

Update (Wednesday 5:32pm): An 11th-hour backflip will see the match proceed tomorrow. Details are here: Group 19 Anzac Day to take place after 11th-hour backflip

Update (Wednesday 2:27pm): The Inverell Hawks have now expressed a desire to fulfil the fixture, however a decision is yet to be made by the Group 19 Board. It is unclear as to what will happen, and who a forfeit will be recorded against should the match not be played.

The traditional Group 19 Anzac Day fixture between the Inverell Hawks and Tingha Tigers will not take place this year, after a controversial change of venue ultimately led to the concept’s demise.

The match, which has been hosted by Inverell since 2015, was due to be shifted to Tingha this year after the decision was made by the Group 19 Board.

Since the decision, Inverell have argued that the match should be returned to Varley Oval, as it is a major fundraiser for the local RSM club, which is the title sponsor of the Hawks club.

Tingha meanwhile have asserted their right to host the match at Bob Ward Oval as per the initial decision, with club officials stating that it is their turn to host the annual clash.

An alternative plan where Inverell were to host Narwan and Tingha were to host another club, both on Anzac Day, was accepted by the Hawks but refused by the Tigers, as they believed it being a local derby was necessary ensure a higher gate.

In response to the final decision that Tingha would host the match, Inverell have stated they are unable to play due to already having committed to a post-match function at the RSM club, and asked for the match to be shifted to the weekend.

With the match not going ahead on Anzac Day or the weekend, it is unclear yet as to whether the match will be counted as a forfeit by Inverell or will be postponed to later in the season.

The Group has still not yet released an official statement on the matter, and both Group 19 Chairman Peter Presnell and NSWRL Regional Manager Harrison Hunter declined to comment on the matter.

Note: Battlers For Bush Footy spoke to officials from both clubs at length but chose not to quote either owing to the fact that an official position has not been made clear by Group 19.