Queensland COVID-19 lockdown throws Rockhampton NRL game into disarray

Crisis talks: Queensland COVID-19 lockdown throws Rockhampton NRL game into disarray.

In a huge blow to the region and its passionate rugby league fans, the NRL game planned for Rockhampton’s Browne Park Saturday afternoon will not go ahead - but negotiations to reschedule the game are ongoing.

It comes after it was revealed parts of Queensland would go into a lockdown from 4pm today, as health officials confirm there are six new local cases of Covid-19 — all the highly infectious Delta strain.

As part of the strictest lockdown seen in the state, chief health officer Dr Jeanette Young said there would be no games.

“No, there will be no football matches,” Dr Young said.

“So, no community sport, no professional sport, nothing for the next three days. Starting as of 4pm today.”

Rob Crow from the Management of Brown Park said talks were ongoing with the NRL and the Queensland Government in a bid to secure a new date, to allow the Rockhampton game to go ahead.

St George Illawarra Dragons were due to play South Sydney Rabbitohs at Browne Park at 3pm, but both teams have been turned back to Brisbane.

Broadcast crews waiting outside Browne Park in Rockhampton.

The Intrust Super Cup game scheduled for after the NRL clash has already been called off, and the pre-match games have been called off, with no players currently on the field at Browne Park.

Five thousand fans were due to pack the grounds at Browne Park, with a Morning Bulletin reporter at the scene saying spectators passing through the gates before the initial announcement was made were being warned that the game may be cancelled.

Allan Wilson waiting at the gates to Browne Park.

One fan The Morning Bulletin spoke to at the gate, Allan Wilson, said he was reluctant to head inside, for fear he would not get a refund if the game was officially called off.

He is waiting outside until a decision is made. He was among a group of four who bought tickets on Thursday.

Broadcast crews are parked up outside the venue, waiting on official word as to whether the game will go ahead or not.