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Intrust Super Cup: PNG Hunters to stay in Australia amid coronavirus

The Queensland Rugby League has moved the PNG Hunters to the Sunshine Coast for at least a week in order to keep allow the Intrust Super Cup to continue this weekend.

NRL season in doubt over virus outbreak

The Queensland Rugby League has moved to keep the PNG Hunters in Australia amid concerns of spreading the coronavirus.

The Hunters will be based on the Sunshine Coast for at least the next seven days to ensure the Intrust Super Cup will continue this weekend.

It comes after the NRL’s New Zealand Warriors were this week relocated to Kingscliff and will play their first home game of the season at Cbus Super Stadium on the Gold Coast.

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The PNG Hunters will remain in Australia amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The PNG Hunters will remain in Australia amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The Hunters were due to fly back to PNG today and prepare for their first home game in Port Moresby on Sunday against the Blackhawks.

However, with the recent 14-day self isolation protocol put in place for any travellers into Australia, the Hunters have opted to remain here for the time being.

The club will then reassess the situation next week to decide whether or not they will stay here beyond Sunday’s game.

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Cameron Smith has called for the 2020 NRL Season to be suspended. Picture: Brett Costello
Cameron Smith has called for the 2020 NRL Season to be suspended. Picture: Brett Costello

Head coach Matt Church said it had been a roller coaster past 24 hours for the club.

“It’s been a very topsy-turvy 24 hours for us,” Church said.

“We had a good win against Souths Logan (on Sunday) and then I had to break the news we weren’t going back to PNG.

“It was a bit difficult but the players have been really good.

“For the betterment of the game and the Intrust Super Cup, we’ve decided to stay in Australia.”

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Original URL: https://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/nrl/qrl/intrust-super-cup-png-hunters-to-stay-in-australia-amid-coronavirus/news-story/984dda5187d38787adc5fefe62a6ff8d