NRL teams to relocate for at least a month

Up to 12 NRL teams are set to make a mad dash to Queensland this Wednesday as NSW battles a growing outbreak of COVID-19 in the state.

The Sydney Morning Herald reports that NRL teams will depart this week in a bid to keep the 2021 season alive, and will be away for at least a month.

The ARL Commission were in a meeting on Sunday afternoon to determine details on the move and advise clubs.

https://twitter.com/danny_weidler/status/1414122183077482498?s=21

Nine's Danny Weidler revealed that Initially the Canberra Raiders would be safe in the capital from a move north, but that stance has since changed with the Raiders included in the relocation.

Even the New Zealand Warriors – based on the Central Coast – and the Newcastle Knights – two hours drive north of Sydney – will have to go to Queensland.

It comes a day after NRL CEO Andrew Abdo announced a last-minute decision to move Wednesday's Game Three of State of Origin from Newcastle to the Gold Coast.

The New South Wales government advised the ARL Commission that it would not allow crowds to attend Game Three in Newcastle due to the growing COVID-19 crisis in greater Sydney, leading to an emergency meeting to move the match.

According to the ARLC, the worsening COVID situation in Sydney meant the NSW government believed a crowd could create an additional risk to the regional community, even though there is currently no community transmission in Newcastle.

"We are disappointed not to be able to give Newcastle the city's first State of Origin, but we must operate within all State Public Health Orders and not having a crowd in Newcastle negates the opportunity for our fans from the region,'' NRL boss Andrew Abdo said.

"The Gold Coast has a very low infection rate and both Origin camps are currently located within driving distance of Cbus Stadium. It means neither team will be disadvantaged by travel.

"This is an exciting outcome for the Gold Coast. It will be the first time in history that the Gold Coast has hosted State of Origin."

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