CQ town could be new base for NRL

Reports that teams could be relocated to minimise COVID-19 infection risk for players.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 15: Danny Levi of the Sea Eagles is tackled during the round 1 NRL match between the Manly Sea Eagles and the Melbourne Storm at Lottoland on March 15, 2020 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)

RUGBY LEAGUE: A Central Queensland town could soon be home to the 16 NRL teams.

The Sydney Morning Herald has reported that Calliope is being considered by the NRL as a potential location as it looks to minimise the risk of infection to players during the coronavirus outbreak.

The Herald revealed that Homeground Villages, which boasts 1392 rooms and has been used as a fly-in fly-out hub for transient industry workers, could be used as a base game.

Gladstone's Marley Brown Oval could host NRL games, given it was the venue for the Manly-Gold Coast clash in April 2018.

Easy access to Gladstone Airport, which would allow players to fly to Townsville or Brisbane for games, was also a factor.