NRL reacts to decision to shut down season in face of coronavirus crisis
NRL players and clubs have responded to the stunning suspension of the code by flooding social media with message of shock, support and general concern for the game and its family.
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Rugby league fans in Australia have reacted with disbelief and pain at the NRL’s decision to call a halt to the 2020 season.
There was an outpouring of emotion on social media as people came to terms with a decision that will have ramifications for the game for years to come.
Penrith Panthers winger Josh Mansour spoke for rugby league fans across the country when he said he was ‘shattered’.
“Shattered it’s come to this,” Mansour wrote on Twitter.
“Tough times, not only for rugby league but for everyone. We’re all in this fight together and we’ll get through it – look after one another and stay healthy.”
Shattered it’s come to this. Tough times, not only for rugby league but for everyone. We’re all in this fight together and we’ll get through it - look after one another and stay healthy
— Josh Mansour (@Josh_Mansour) March 23, 2020
Speaking on NRL Tonight, Broncos great Corey Parker said it’s a “dark day for the sport” with many livelihoods at stake.
“There will be a lot of people, 100s of people affected. it’s a very dark day for the game of rugby league,” said Parker.
“The game could be on its knees.
“Sixteen clubs are all going through that talk at the moment.
“We are no different to small business, pubs clubs, there will be some scale back, some haircuts, some emotions and people without jobs.
“That’s the reality of it. We are all affected. Everyone who has their hand in the game of rugby league will be affected at some point.”
Added Gold Coast veteran Nathan Peats: “Pretty devastating times. Rattled.”
Pretty devastating times. Rattled
— Nathan Peats (@nathanpeats9) March 23, 2020
I don’t really know what to say......
— Chad Townsend (@chadtownsend10) March 23, 2020
The Wests Tigers posts a touching message to encourage the NRL family to stick together in a time of unprecedented upheaval.
Thinking of the family tonight. â¤ï¸@brisbanebroncos @RaidersCanberra @NRL_Bulldogs @Cronulla_Sharks @GCTitans @SeaEagles @storm @NRLKnights @NZWarriors @nthqldcowboys @TheParraEels @PenrithPanthers @SSFCRABBITOHS @NRL_Dragons @sydneyroosters pic.twitter.com/Z0feBp3z51
— Wests Tigers (@WestsTigers) March 23, 2020
Originally published as NRL reacts to decision to shut down season in face of coronavirus crisis