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Why the coronavirus is one of the great challenges in rugby league history

The full impact of the coronavirus on rugby league will not be understood for years to come and the sport must batten down the hatches writes MAL MENINGA.

The outbreak could change rugby league forever. AAP Image/Dean Lewins.
The outbreak could change rugby league forever. AAP Image/Dean Lewins.

The impact of the coronavirus crisis on the NRL will be felt across the game for years to come.

It is incredible to think that only a week ago this issue was just starting to surface in our game.

Now we are in a completely different environment, with fans locked out of stadiums, grassroots competitions suspended, and the NRL facing a fight to continue playing.

This is an unprecedented time for the game and will have a lasting impact in many ways.

Rugby league has faced many challenges in its 112-year Australian history, from similar global health crises, World Wars, financial uncertainty and the Super League stoush of the mid-1990s.

The game has not only survived, it has bounced back and flourished, and I’m sure it will do the same this time.

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The outbreak could change rugby league forever. AAP Image/Dean Lewins.
The outbreak could change rugby league forever. AAP Image/Dean Lewins.

But we have some serious hurdles to overcome in the coming months and years.

The huge decisions being made across society and the game impact on much more than the eight games played in the NRL premiership every weekend.

We’ve got squads of 36 players that we are trying to keep active, engaged and committed without all of them playing footy.

Only 17 can play in the NRL every weekend, and with the major state competitions being suspended, that means 19 players from each club, every weekend, will not be allowed to play.

Then there are the juniors coming through development programs – the next generation of NRL stars.

There is a possibility they will not play at all in 2020 and that will directly impact their development and progression into the NRL.

Members, sponsors and corporate partners are hurting.

The game is facing a huge financial hit and I believe we should continue to play the NRL premiership for as long as we can.

The players are in isolated situations, well cared for, fit and healthy.

The majority of them want to play and earn their livelihood.

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Can the NRL survive without crowds? Picture by Phil Hillyard.
Can the NRL survive without crowds? Picture by Phil Hillyard.

They are real people with families, mortgages and bills, just like the fans in the stands, and need to work to be paid.

While they’re healthy and the clubs are doing everything they can to keep them that way, they should keep playing.

It’s their job, as it is with plenty of others who need to continue doing their jobs.

There must be an element of selflessness to make that happen.

We must be our best self. If we are, we will still have a great product at the end of this pandemic.

Yes, these are “rugby league problems”, and I know there are bigger issues at play in the wider community and around the world.

Everyone in society is facing these kinds of decisions every day. People are scared their livelihoods will be taken away from them, and that is a horrible position to be in for anyone.

Now, all anyone can do is concentrate on the things we can control – that means being calm, caring about the people around us, looking after ourselves, and doing our part to limit the spread of this virus.

For the sake of those we care about, we must quickly adapt to what has become the new normal.

The Warriors are at a major crossroads. AAP Image/Darren Pateman.
The Warriors are at a major crossroads. AAP Image/Darren Pateman.

The rugby league community is doing just that.

By keeping the competition going, the NRL is ensuring that the thousands of people across Australia and New Zealand who rely on the game to keep a roof over their heads still have a job to do and a pay cheque to cash.

That means players, coaches, staff, caterers, suppliers, hospitality workers, cleaners, merchandise sellers, charities, security staff, bus drivers, hotel staff and local business owners can keep the money coming in, and keep providing for their families and the suppliers, businesses and customers that in turn rely on them.

People have criticised the NRL for only thinking of itself by keeping the competition going.

The opposite is true.

The NRL just understands the responsibility they have to society extends well beyond the 17 players taking the field each week.

The game is making tough decisions in tough circumstances to help people get through these tough times.

But tough times don’t last. Tough people do.

And rugby league, and the way it looks after its people, is tougher than most.

And we just need to do it together. United.

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Original URL: https://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/nrl/teams/why-the-coronavirus-is-one-of-the-great-challenges-in-rugby-league-history/news-story/df813c22280c5bebfdde619da570afba