NRL 2020: Peter V’landys on brutal introduction to rugby league
Despite emerging as rugby league’s saviour in 2020, Racing NSW and ARLC boss Peter V’landys has revealed just how brutal his introduction to the game has been. PLUS how Queensland can revive the Nines.
NRL
Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The verdict is in – running the NRL is tougher than being the boss of horse racing.
ARL Commission chairman Peter V’landys has been functioning on five hours’ sleep since taking the lead of the NRL’s response to the coronavirus pandemic.
With NRL CEO Todd Greenberg stepping down on Monday, even more pressure is on the shoulders of V’landys to get the season back up and running.
Relive classic NRL matches from the 60s to today on KAYO SPORTS. New to Kayo? Get your 14-day free trial & start streaming instantly >
V’landys replaced former Queensland Premier Peter Beattie last year but has become front and centre of the game over the past two months.
He is still the CEO of Racing NSW but admitted the politics of rugby league were hard to top.
“Rugby league is so much harder than racing,” V’landys said.
“I realise now what a soft life I had in racing. I thought racing was hard but it's not.
“Rugby league is so brutal. The tough thing is the tribalism.
“In racing, people don't have a team, they are individual punters for example. In rugby league, there is so much passion and so much at stake.”
V’landys has been mostly warmly embraced as the game’s new leader given his determination to get the season back underway on May 28.
MIND HUNTER
Broncos coach Anthony Seibold has joined forces with Australian cricket coach Justin Langer to battle the unprecedented coronavirus shutdown.
Seibold has been speaking to Langer on a weekly basis, exchanging ideas and talking about their situations.
He has also been in regular contact with Simon Goodwin, coach of the AFL’s Melbourne Demons, and Scott Robertson, the Crusaders coach in Super Rugby.
“It’s been great to talk to Justin about his first two years with his role,” Seibold told Blindside.
“The four of us have been on Zoom meetings every Thursday and it’s been brilliant.”
Seibold is a big believer in professional development and is always looking to bring new ideas into his coaching.
NO FAT CLUB
Waistlines have been growing during home isolation but the same can’t be said for Queensland Origin star Cameron Munster.
Munster has trimmed down from 92kg to 89kg to be in the best shape of his career ahead of the NRL season resumption.
Munster returned to Queensland when the NRL was suspended, and has been visiting family in Rockhampton.
He has been careful with his diet and drinking, and trained as much as possible on his own.
“The last thing I want to do is end up in ‘Fat Club’ when we get back to the Storm,” Munster said with a laugh.
“The hard thing will be keeping in shape. It can be easy to fall into the trap of eating shit food and playing computer games, so I'm aware of that and I want to do things to make sure I stay fit.
“I'm already missing footy. It's a surreal feeling for me with the competition in limbo.”
Munster will make his way back to Melbourne before training resumes on May 4.
NINES SAVIOUR
Townsville’s shiny new $293 million stadium could host the NRL Nines in 2021.
The NRL is looking at various options in the wake of this year's tournament debacle in Perth and wants to go back to rugby league heartland.
Newcastle and Canberra are major contenders but don't rule out Townsville, which would be the perfect location with its new 25,000 seat stadium and passionate league supporter base.
Because of the Townsville heat, the tournament would kick off in the late afternoon and go into the night on Saturday and Sunday.
The Perth tournament kicked-off at 4pm on Friday, a disastrous timeslot with people still at work.
Originally published as NRL 2020: Peter V’landys on brutal introduction to rugby league