NRL considers delaying season with grand final to be played in November
With a conoravirus-induced postponement looking increasingly likely, the NRL is considering options to save the game from financial ruin which could see the season played until late into the year.
NRL
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The NRL will consider a Sunday night grand final as late as November if the coronavirus crisis forces the postponement of the premiership in coming weeks.
The plan comes as the AFL agreed to a 17-game schedule with a grand final that could be played close to Christmas.
The NRL’s move would force the cancellation of the Kangaroos’ tour to England and a clash with cricket’s Twenty20 World Cup but would ensure the 16 clubs remain financially viable because the broadcast deal funding would continue.
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Delaying rather than shortening the competition would protect the clubs, ensure players get paid and that sponsorship and membership commitments can be fulfilled.
The schedule for the final rounds of the premiership would be pushed back to night-time football in October to protect players from the heat with the finals going into November.
Independent commission chairman Peter V’landys says extending the competition is a definite consideration.
“We are looking at every available option,” V’landys said. “The preference right now is to play on but that could change any day, even before the weekend.
“If there is a forced postponement of the competition, we wouldn’t rule out playing right through into November. We will be guided by the health experts in everything we do.”
Fox Sports would have a clash with cricket’s T20 World Cup which starts on October 18 and finishes on November 15.
However the network would use its dedicated Fox League channel to cover every game.
Channel 9 has no major commitments outside of tennis.
“We will continue to work with the NRL in the best interests of the game as we as we face these unprecedented times,” said Channel 9’s head of rugby league Simon Fordham.
“We are not speculating on the what if’s at this stage, but are focused on what we need to do to support the game, our audience, the fans and the players in the coming weeks.”
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Monday Buzz: Financial hit of coronavirus crisis to rock rugby league
No decision will be made on the schedule until the Warriors have played the Canberra Raiders this weekend on the Gold Coast.
NRL boss Todd Greenberg again spoke to their CEO Cameron George about the possibility of the Warriors remaining in Australia for a longer period.
They play Manly in round three then the Wests Tigers in round four in Auckland.
The round four game could not go ahead in New Zealand because it would force the Wests Tigers into isolation for two weeks.
AFL players have been advised that the risk of playing in the current climate is very low, but one player testing positive to the COVID-19 virus could drastically change the landscape.
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