NRL Chief Executive Todd GreenbergSource: Getty ImagesThe NRL will be played in empty stadiums in round two with clubs advised to comply with government advice to ban large gatherings from Monday.
The governing body has cleared Canberra and North Queensland to host their round one Friday night games despite growing concerns over the coronavirus pandemic.
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Crowds are allowed to attend those fixtures with the league to reassess the situation on Saturday morning for five remaining games over the weekend.
PM still going to Sharks game
1:26The call follows the federal government’s announcement advising against gatherings of 500 people or more at non-essential organised events from Monday, which will directly affect the NRL from round two.
“We’re in unprecedented times. The health and safety of our players and fans is paramount and is the top of every decision we are making,” NRL CEO Todd Greenberg said on Friday afternoon.
“We can’t put a timeframe on [how long we will play in front of empty stadiums], nor can the government. This decision will be dictated by the government and we will take their advice all the way through.”
Concerns over COVID-19 have intensified over the past few days with fears the NRL may be required to postpone its season.
PM announces gathering bans
1:17The league has set up a coronavirus sub-committee to explore all options and ramifications for clubs if games are to be played to empty stadiums or the season is postponed.
The Cowboys will launch their season against Brisbane at their new stadium in Townsville, with more than 20,000 fans expected.
The Raiders will then host Gold Coast at GIO Stadium at 6pm, although initial expectations of around 15,000 spectators have taken a hit.
Parramatta and Canterbury played the opening game of the season at Bankwest Stadium on Thursday night in front of 21,363 fans.
“We know this will be disappointing for fans but we are dealing with uncertain and unprecedented times,” ARLC chairman Peter V’landys said.
“We have always maintained we would follow the advice of health authorities to prevent the further spread of the COVID-19 virus. In doing this, we have been in daily contact with Federal and State agencies and with both Prime Minister Scott Morrison and the NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian today.”
Before kick-off, the NRL issued a health and safety advisory for players and staff.
Players were asked to minimise handshakes and physical interactions with fans, while clubs were encouraged to minimise player contact with community organisations.
Restrictions were also placed on dressing room entry.
Here’s the latest from the NRL on the developing coronavirus crisis.
NRL CONSIDERS RADICAL VIRUS PLAN
The NRL may consider a Magic Round involving only teams from Round 2.
The governing body announced on Friday fans will be locked out of games next round and according to The Australian NRL reporter Brent Read, all games could be held at one venue.
NRL's radical virus plan
1:42“The NRL is going to spend this weekend looking at alternatives,” Read told Fox League.
“There’s the potential they might move all the teams and all the games to one venue. They’re going to look at how viable that is.
“I don’t think that will happen but that’s one alternative they’re looking at at the moment - every team will go to one venue, play out of one venue and that way you can find the teams in a place where they’re not as at risk from the wider community.
“A Magic Round, basically, for the foreseeable future.”
Meanwhile, Australia’s cricket one day international against New Zealand is behing played behind closed doors, the Australian Grand Prix has been cancelled and the AFL is meeting to discuss its plans with the season set to commence next week.
PM STILL GOING TO SHARKS GAME
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said he would still be attending the season-opening game of his beloved Cronulla Sharks rugby league team in Sydney on Saturday night.
The NRL match between the Canberra Raiders and Gold Coast Titans is also going ahead on Friday night.
Mr Morrison said the advice from Monday was part of a stepped response.
“We are not of great concern right now in terms of where those gatherings might be today, but in the weeks ahead, this will change,” he said.
“The fact that I would still be going on Saturday speaks not just to my passion for my beloved Sharks, it might be the last game I get to go to for a long time. That’s fine.”
QUEENSLAND DERBY TO GO AHEAD
The NRL looked set to allow Friday night’s game between the Broncos and the Cowboys to go ahead despite the coronavirus pandemic. However that was before the government banned gatherings of over 500 people.
But the blockbuster, which opens the new Townsville Stadium, will proceed as planned.
“North Queensland about to confirm that game will go ahead with gates open,” Brent Read tweeted.
“Have consulted Queensland government and believe nothing to stop them opening ground to spectators.”
Queensland’s Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young said: “tonight’s NRL game in Townsville is safe to attend if you are well.”
“We are continuing to prepare to welcome fans for the XXXX Derby,” The Cowboys said in a statement.
“There is no government ban currently in place for large gatherings and as such we are operating under the NRL’s match day protocols & procedures.”
Replies
A sharks player has the virus, maybe the competition will end up being suspended. This is not going to be a short term problem, it's more likely to be a 3-6 month one.
What about season ticket holders, do we get our money back?.
Is that confirmed? I thought two were being tested for having flu like symptoms but that's all. Most test are still negative at this stage.
Maybe you're right mutt, i thought i read he had it but it could have read tested for it.
It was Bronson Xerri and he has been cleared.
Only takes one player to have it and the entire comp shuts down. It's inevitable. Crazy times. So many unanswered questions about how to manage this.
The unis paid for Chinese students to get here through other countries, Fucking unbelievable
Cousin Fong I said the same bloody thing when all of this was announced .unbelievable
It's purely based on statistics. Nothing more.
Most of us will probably get this eventually, this is just about trying to slowing it down so our medical system isn't overrun.
100%
Fongy, the idea is to delay the spread as much as possible to reduce the stress on the healthcare system.
odds are ~50% of us will get it, and it is likely to be something we deal with year to year going forward.
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