GROUP Three Rugby League has cancelled the Group Three/Indigenous All Stars men's game planned for Verge Street Oval at Kempsey on Saturday June 8.
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However, the All Stars women's league tag match will go ahead.
Group Three chief executive Mal Drury said the late withdrawal of a number of players just before the Group Three All Stars' training session Wednesday evening forced the decision.
"We got a call from Wauchope to say that their six players selected wouldn't be able to play,'' Mr Drury said.
A number of players had previously withdrawn from the match, the majority from the Group Three side.
The indigenous side, coached by Jason Holland, started training last week. Matt Everitt was to coach the Group Three squad.
Mr Drury said the decision to scrap the game was 'disappointing', but said the group had no choice. The match was inaugurated last year and played in the pre-season at Wauchope.
This year's game was originally set down for March, but delays in getting the playing strips in time forced the postponement. Mr Drury said the game will be back on the group's calendar in 2020, although the timing will be reviewed.
However, Mr Drury said the numbers are strong for the women's match and both sides have been training. Mr Drury said the game will also be used as a selection trial for the Group Three league tag team to play in the upcoming Country Championships.