NRL’s Magic Round-style plan to counter coronavirus threat
With the coronavirus epidemic threatening to shut down the 2020 season, the NRL is considering a ‘magical’ plan to keep the competition going.
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The NRL is considering implementing an extraordinary Magic Round-type concept proposed by Wayne Bennett that could run for up to a month in a bold bid to keep the competition alive during the global coronavirsus crisis.
The Saturday Telegraph can reveal that top level talks were initiated yesterday afternoon after the Rabbitohs coach pitched the idea to Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V’landys.
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Bennett’s proposal is one of a number of other contingency plans are being discussed in the wake Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s admission that all mass gatherings would be banned from Monday.
“It is an absolute possibility,” V’landys confirmed. “Our greatest risk is if we can’t play the games because the majority of our revenue comes from broadcast.
“So as long as we can broadcast the games, we have to look at every scenario to be able to do that.“Rugby league is our relaxation.
“It forms an important part of the fabric of our society and we need to keep people’s spirits up accordingly.
“Having rugby league to continue to be played is essential.”
If the Magic Round-type concept was to go ahead it would require all teams ideally going into lockdown
in one city and playing all their games out of one venue.
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However, it’s understood the NRL is also considering basing teams in a small number of locations and playing out multiple venues across regional and metropolitan areas.
This would still allow the players to be isolated away from the general public to reduce risk of them catching and spreading the virus.
It would also reduce the impact of having eight games a week played in the one stadium over an extended period.
While crowds would not be allowed into stadiums where matches are played, this could potentially save the NRL from suspending the competition which would be a financial disaster for everyone involved in the game.
It is estimated could cost the game up to $4m each week to play games without spectators and as it stands, there is no end in sight.
Bennett said he floated the Magic Round-type concept because of his concern that the game could not afford to go into an extended lockdown.
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“We are all unsure about the near future but even if it means one venue for all the clubs to play at for a period of time, we have to consider all alternatives,” Bennett said.
“We have to keep the game on TV because of the contract we have but also because so many people are dependent upon our game.
“If we have to play at empty stadiums I don’t believe for one minute we would miss a beat.
“Sure, we all love playing in front of packed stadiums but right now we have to consider every option.
“Rugby league means so much to all people who follow the game and particularly at a time where no one is sure where it is all going.
“Our sport is something that entertains everybody and it is something they all look forward to.
“One option we don’t want to lose is the option to play.”