NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro has launched an audacious bid to have NRL fans back in grandstands by this weekend and ANZ Stadium hosting 40,000 within a fortnight, declaring: “It’s time to let the NRL loose.”
In a huge boost for NSW sports fans, Mr Barilaro told The Daily Telegraph he wants COVID-19 restrictions dramatically eased in time for crowds to attend the Thursday Night Football clash between Manly and Brisbane in Gosford with social distancing, but followed by the scrapping of all restrictions entirely by July 1.
The Deputy Premier also wants NRL blockbusters moved to ANZ Stadium as soon as round six, with an obvious contender being Saturday week’s showdown between Parramatta and the Roosters, currently slated for Bankwest Stadium at 7.35pm.
A key figure in helping fast-track rugby league’s return, Mr Barilaro questioned how health officials could continue to keep NSW sports fans out of venues when a crowd of up to 20,000 took part in Sydney’s Black Lives Matter rally on Saturday.
“In my mind, it’s now clear we need some consistency with what is being approved,” he said. He questioned how a protest with no social-distancing rules could go ahead while the NRL was shut down, “Hypocrisy at its best … the NRL have already proved they have the right plans in place. So as far as I’m concerned the evidence is clear that we can open up these restrictions.”
While the NRL was initially expected to only house a few hundred guests in corporate suits this weekend, the NSW Nationals leader now wants the government and health officials to open up grandstands to fans.
He suggested supporters only need to be separated by one or two seats — ensuring “huge crowds” could attend venues like ANZ Stadium, whose usual capacity is 80,000.
“I want to see stadiums opened to the fans this weekend,” said Mr Barilaro, who is part of the NSW task force charged with overseeing sport’s return. “There is no longer any need to keep these lockdowns in place. We can have crowds back and still be abiding by some social-distancing rules. The evidence is there to support that.”
He said other task force members shared his views.
Asked when social-distancing measures should be lifted completely, Mr Barilaro continued: “Personally, I think July 1. If we open everything now with these social-distancing measures and there are no more problems, then come July, open everything.”
He has also called for the “immediate” restart of grassroots sport.
“This shouldn’t be just about corporate boxes,” he said. “We want people in the grandstands and people playing sport at grassroots level.”
Replies
With all the talk about Barilaro as Greenturd's replacement, let's just look at Barilaro's logic.
First, he said the protests were reckless and irresponsible. Then he said if they allow protests let's have fans packing games. But if the protests are reckless and irresponsible that means fans packed into grounds at games are too.
Surely V'Landy's is too smart to let a guy who cannot even follow the implications of his own logic be the face of the daily game?!
I think he is correct in this to a degree however I'm not keen on 40k in ANZ just yet. I like the idea of, say, 5k at venues like Bankwest and ANZ where there is only seated areas. The NRL would need to physically cordon off seats that cannot be used (with tape) and police the crowds to ensure distancing rules aren't broken - with fines and attendance suspensions for breaches. I don't think social distancing rules should be lifted for some time - until we are no longer getting positives.
As for these (or any) protests. Of course they shouldn't be allowed to proceed. Anyone who can't comprehend the consequences of this during this pandemic is an imbecile who needs to have decisions made for them.
Kram, there are other ways to support a cause without risking a second wave in a pandemic, so agreed there.
But there is no redeeming Barilaro's political populism. He's just a plain idiot, as if that wasn't obvious in his antics around running in Eden-Monaro. If it's reckless to have large unmoderated crowds then it's reckless whatever the purpose.
My broader point here is that Barilaro would be an immediately polarizing figure and incredibly unsuited to being NRL CEO. That position demands someone who can work with diverse stakeholders who don't always want to go in the same direction and represent diverse constituencies. Barilaro will always privilege his chosen constituency. The NRL CEO also has to avoid making everything about him/her. Barilaro will always make it about him. It would be a disaster.
Funny that the PM (following today's National Cabinet) has just announced that in July they are looking to have up to 25% capacity at games. The difference from that verses unmoderated crowds is that tickets are sold at games, so it's easy to trace back if there is an outbreak. This is impossible for protests or other large gatherings where no tickets are sold.
How do you think season ticket holders will fare in all of this mate?
Yes good question. Probably have to have alloted games. Still, better than nothing.
Certainly is. Cheers mate :)
I agree. He's rubbish and a fool. As you say; exhibit one: Eden- Monaro.
REALLY hope we don't go there..