The NRL will reportedly weigh up whether regional venues can host games from Round 17 following the number of COVID-19 clusters impacting Queensland and New South Wales.
It was announced today parts of Queensland will enter a three-day lockdown from 6pm (AEST) tonight after two new locally acquired coronavirus cases emerged, while Greater Sydney is under stay at home orders until at least the 9th of July.
All NRL players are currently under level four restrictions, which means players can't leave their homes unless it's for training or essential needs. They are also unable to have any visitors enter their homes.
According to an AAP report, club bosses today were informed by NRL CEO Andrew Abdo that Sydney-based teams remain in the city during the two-week lockdown.
While it's been confirmed fixtures scheduled in Central Coast, in Penrith, at Bankwest Stadium and at Leichhardt would go ahead in Round 16, fans won't be allowed it.
The report claims the idea of Sydney-based teams continuing to train in Sydney but holding their games in regional areas was discussed.
It's understood Origin Game Three, which is currently scheduled for 14 July at Stadium Australia, still remains up in the air.
Earlier today, New South Wales Rugby League confirmed all competitions across the Greater Sydney Region would be suspended until July 17.
"The NSWRL has taken decisions around its Major Competitions and Community Football to adhere to the advice from the NSW State Government and give the state every chance to get on top of the recent COVID-19 outbreak," NSWRL Head of Football Robert Lowrie said.
"I would urge all our participants, officials and spectators to observe the guidelines that have been put in place to help us get Rugby League back on the field as soon as possible.
"Furthermore, I would like to emphasise for our regional areas and competitions, not in lockdown, our competitions will continue playing, but we need to maintain our vigilance in encouraging COVID safety."
For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.