Rugby League World Cup 2021: More Super League games postponed as Covid fears grow
Two more English Super League matches have been postponed as clubs struggle to deal the impact of the Covid crisis in the UK`.
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Concerns among NRL clubs about staging the end-of-season Rugby League World Cup have further heightened after two more English Super League matches were postponed as clubs struggle to deal the impact of the Covid crisis in the UK.
St Helens’ game against Huddersfield and Castleford’s clash with Leigh are the latest casualties, taking the total number of Super League matches postponed so far this year to 17.
At St Helens there are said to be eight positive cases among the players and staff while Castleford also have a significant amount of positive cases. The two teams have not played since meeting in the Challenge Cup final on July 17.
It comes as NRL clubs hope crisis talks in the coming days will make a decision to postpone the tournament and avert a potentially explosive showdown with some of the NRL’s biggest names.
There are growing fears that the push to send an Australian Indigenous and New Zealand Maori team to the end of season tournament could come at a huge cost to clubs if players suffer injury or contract Covid while away.
The fact the tournament is no longer being endorsed by the Australian and New Zealand governing bodies means it would be up to individual clubs as employers to make the call on whether or not players will be given permission to take part.
HUGE WORLD CUP COVID CASH OFFER ROOS REJECTED
By John Davidson
International Rugby League boss Troy Grant has revealed that the UK government was prepared to spend more than a $1 million to cover all quarantine costs for NRL players and staff at Olympic Park on their return to Australia to ensure the 2021 World Cup took place.
The tournament has been thrown into turmoil after Australia and New Zealand decided to withdraw their teams from participating, citing Covid-19 concerns.
One of the major sticking points around the involvement of the Kangaroos and the Kiwis in the World Cup was what quarantine conditions NRL-based players would face after flying back from the UK, and whether that two-week period would then affect the start of the 2022 season.
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However, Grant has claimed that World Cup organisers had secured funding to create a special precinct in Olympic Park, the same as the Australian Olympic team will experience on their return from Tokyo, where all NRL players could use to complete their quarantine that is far less restrictive than the harsh conditions members of the public have to go through.
“The UK government has helped fund the quarantine arrangements to be far more accommodating than the very strict 14-day hotel, where you’re not allowed out of the room,” he said.
“They’ve created a precinct at Homebush where there’s exercise availability for the 14 days. The time frame is the same but it’s certainly more relaxed in that precinct than the state-run hotel quarantine program.
“That's come at the assistance of the UK government and was one of the asks of both nations. It’s the same as the Australian Olympic team will do on their return, it’s the same the French rugby union team have done here.
“So there’s lots of precedent for it. It’s a process that’s even more relaxed that Hollywood actors have gone through.”
The Daily Telegraph has seen a copy of the World Cup Covid-19 policy and procedures handbook, a lengthy 74-page dossier explaining in depth how organisers plan to keep players safe from the coronavirus.
There has been a major backlash in the UK and the rest of the World Cup over Australia and New Zealand’s sudden boycott, when other major sporting events in England are taking place, and the World Cup may now be scrapped completely.
It comes as the Australian indigenous and New Zealand Maori teams are circling to break away and form shock replacements for the Kangaroos and the Kiwis.
Grant says the tournament organisers have done everything the Aussies and Kiwis have asked for.
“That’s part of the driver of the disappointment,” the former Minister for Police and the Minister for Emergency Services in the NSW Government, said.
“I’m not sure what the organising committee could do in addition to what they’ve been asked to do. As I understand it, New Zealand wanted more detail, they weren’t satisfied on the level of detail — I’m not sure what more they wanted.
“I know cost was an issue for them but that’s all been taken care of. Charter flights — that’s all been taken care of.
“The quarantining over two weeks and the disposition of the NRL clubs that was going to impact on the pre-season, I know the Rugby League Players Association (RLPA) and the individual players had come to their own arrangements to forgo those two weeks so it doesn’t push them out and jeopardise that pre-season period as well.
“So that’s all the arrangements between the two that can be arrived at and have historically been done. We thought we were well advanced with all those sorts of issues, hence we were surprised when the hammer was dropped with the decision.”
Grant will meet with World Cup organisers on Monday to determine if the World Cup still goes ahead in October as planned, without Australia and New Zealand’s involvement, or if the tournament is canned completely.
The Kangaroos and Kiwis want the World Cup postponed for 12 months, but Grant admits cancellation is more likely.
“Cancellation seems to be most likely option, given the crowded window next year, the significant impact it would have commercially and broadcast-wise, competing with other significant sporting events such as the 2022 Commonwealth Games and the 2022 FIFA World Cup,” he conceded.
“The viability of it being postponed is probably a greater loss of viability than a restructured tournament with other teams.”
Some have called for Australia and NZ to be sanctioned or even banned from international rugby league for pulling out of the World Cup.
The chairman of the IRL says there is the potential to take that action, but believes it would be “very difficult”.
“It would be counter-productive, we’re trying to grow the game,” Grant said.
“It’s extraordinary circumstances [with the pandemic] … you could cut your nose off to spite your face when it comes to the future of the international game.”
Clubs hope to avoid World Cup talk with stars
Concerned NRL clubs are hoping crisis talks in the coming days will make a decision to postpone the World Cup and avert a potentially explosive showdown with some of the NRL’s biggest names.
There are growing fears that the push to send an Australian Indigenous and New Zealand Maori team to the end of season tournament could come at a huge cost to clubs if players suffer injury or contract Covid while away.
The fact the tournament is no longer being endorsed by the Australian and New Zealand governing bodies means it would be up to individual clubs as employers to make the call on whether or not players will be given permission to take part.
There is no question the overwhelming consensus among clubs is that they don’t want their players going to England given the current Covid infection rates.
But it becomes a delicate conversation when you are dealing with star players such as Latrell Mitchell, Cody Walker and Josh Addo-Carr who have all publicly backed the concept.
Other names including Dane Gagai, Jack Wighton, Reece Walsh, David Fifita and Alex Johnston have been tossed up as other potential recruits for the Indigenous team.
On the Marori side could be the likes of Brandon Smith, Kalyn Ponga, Joey Manu and Valentine Holmes.
The idea has also got the backing of outgoing Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett who spoke passionately about the right for players to have a choice to go even though Australia and New Zealand have pulled out.
CHECK OUT THE POTENTIAL SQUADS BELOW
Clubs are understandably reluctant to speak publicly and run the risk of upsetting the players at this point.
But it would be interesting to see if push comes to shove whether the players would be willing to stump the cost if they are unavailable for the start of next season.
There is also a real risk that players would not be allowed back in Australia if they get Covid while away.
But the clubs are hoping renewed speculation that talks between tournament organisers and government and rugby league officials in the UK this week will make a decision to postpone the event.
Clubs and NRL officials are also convinced players have not been fully prepped on the potential Covid dangers and the reality of the rigorous protocols they would have to adhere in England.
There are currently about 40,000 new Covid cases a day in England and up to 600,000 people every week are being told to self-isolate after coming in contact with a person with Covid.
So far this season 15 Super League games have been postponed or cancelled and there is a genuine concern they won’t be able to complete the club season.
Such has been the impact on the competition the Super League ladder is actually being determined on win percentages as opposed to competition points.
That gives a snapshot of the seriousness of the situation in England at the moment despite the push to forge ahead with the World Cup.
The concern for NRL clubs now is that a growing number of players with clout have made their position clear by backing the idea of sending an Indigenous team and if the tournament goes ahead it is going to be extremely difficult to tell the players they can’t go.
Addo-Carr told The Telegraph that “It would mean everything” to the players to represent an Indigenous team on the world stage.
The head of English Rugby League Simon Johnson called Australia and New Zealand’s decision to withdraw “selfish, parochial and cowardly” last week.
In response, ARL Commission chairman Peter V’landys said keeping players in quarantine for extended periods of up to four weeks had the potential to “destroy a player’s life forever”.
Meanwhile, Rugby League Players Association president Clint Newton also hit out at Australia and New Zealand, saying the decision to withdraw was made “prematurely”.
It’s fair to say Newton’s comment caused some exasperation among many officials.
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INDIGENOUS STARS KEEN FOR SHOT AT WORLD CUP
The Australian Indigenous and New Zealand Maori teams are circling to break away and form shock replacements for the Kangaroos and the Kiwis at the Rugby League World Cup later this year.
The push has support from some of the game’s leading Indigenous players, including Josh Addo-Carr and Cody Walker, while it is understood Latrell Mitchell is also pushing for the go ahead.
World Cup tournament organisers are aware of the groundswell of support from the southern hemisphere-based players and will explore the situation further in coming days.
Melbourne Storm flyer Addo-Carr made it clear the players wanted to play.
“It’s unfortunate the Kangaroos pulled out,” Addo-Carr told the Sunday Telegraph. “I have been speaking to a few of the boys who were in the Indigenous All-Stars team and they would be keen to go to England. That would be awesome.
“If no one will put their hand up, we will. It would mean everything for us, especially the Indigenous community.
“Playing on the big stage and playing the top teams, it will show the rest of the world what we’re capable of. Why can’t it happen?
“It’s disappointing (the Kangaroos and Kiwis have pulled out) but I understand why the NRL have made their decision. It is what it is.”
Aus and NZ pull out of #RLWC2021 . How about the Indigenous all stars and Maori all star teams take their place?? 🤔🤔
— Brad Takairangi (@Bradtaka_) July 22, 2021
Walker and Addo-Carr would headline a star-studded Indigenous side which could also feature the likes of Dane Gagai, Reece Walsh, David Fifita, Jack Wighton, Alex Johnston (who may also again represent PNG), Jack Bird, Connor Watson and Adam Elliott.
Super League-based players including Joel Thompson, Bevan French, Nathan Peats and Aidan Sezer could also come into the mix.
Walker said he would have no hesitation in representing an Australian Indigenous team.
“I am keen to play,” he said. “It would be awesome to represent my people on the world stage.”
The team could be coached by Laurie Daley, with Sam Thaiday and Jonathan Thurston as potential assistants. David Kidwell could lead the New Zealand Maori team.
The New Zealand Maori could have an equally potent team.
Brandon Smith, Kalyn Ponga, Joey Manu, Valentine Holmes and James Fisher-Harris would catapult the team into near tournament favouritism.
International Rugby League chairman Troy Grant said he was willing to explore the two concepts.
“Having an invitational side is absolutely possible,” Grant said. “I just have to find out through our federation as to the rules around the ability to be awarded the World Cup if they were victorious.”
It comes as an announcement on the future of the World Cup is expected this week after crisis meetings were held with the UK Government, which has tipped in millions of dollars for the tournament to be staged.
The government will all but decide the World Cup. It is considering staging the tournament with two less teams, replacing Australia and New Zealand, cancelling, or postponing the event for 12 months.
POTENTIAL SQUADS
AUSTRALIAN INDIGENOUS
1 Latrell Mitchell
2 Josh Addo-Carr
3 Jack Wighton
4 Dane Gagai
5 Alex Johnston
6 Reece Walsh
7 Cody Walker
8 Ryan James
9 Connor Watson
10 Josh Kerr
11 David Fifita
12 Joel Thompson
13 Tyrone Peachey
14 Nicho Hynes
15 Adam Elliott
16 Jamayne tonua brown
17 Jack Bird
18 Bevan French
19 Jesse Ramien
20 Jamal Fogarty
21 Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
23 Brian Kelly
24 Blake Ferguson
25 Tyrell Fuiamaono
NEW ZEALAND MAORI
1 Valentine Holmes
2 Jordan Rapana
3 Joey Manu
4 Reimis Smith
5 Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
6 Kalyn Ponga
7 Benji Marshall
8 James Fisher-Harris
9 Jeremy Marshall-King
10 Jesse Bromwich
11 Kenny Bromwich
12 Corey Harawira-Naera
13 Brandon Smith
14 Nelson Asofa-Solomona
15 Joe Tapine
16 Jared Waerea-Hargreaves
17 Kodi Nikorima
18 Morgan Harper
19 Briton Nikora
20 Shaun Kenny-Dowall
21 Jordan McLean
22 Taane Milne
Nations and clubs headed for World Cup showdown
Players from tier-two nations are headed for a stand-off with their club’s as minnow nations press ahead with plans to feature in the Rugby League World Cup.
This comes as the UK Government will make a decision on the future of the embattled World Cup when it meets with tournament organisers in the next 72 hours.
While the Kangaroos and Kiwis will not feature, the NRL is technically unable to stop players from lining up for other nations.
That could allow the likes of Jason Taumalolo (Tonga), Josh Papalii (Samoa), James Tedesco (Italy) and Alex Twal (Lebanon) to still compete at the tournament. A host of Origin stars with dual availability could also make themselves available for other nations.
Under the NRL contract, players must make themselves available for representative duties if they are picked otherwise they face sanctions. Given the Australian Rugby League Commission’s stance by withdrawing the Kangaroos, they would not punish any players who elect to not go to England.
But if the players want to play, it may be left to their club to make that decision.
The Rugby League Players Association chief executive Clint Newton said the decision to boycott the tournament had been made “prematurely” and would support players who wanted to represent other nations.
Panthers coach Ivan Cleary said he “wouldn’t be comfortable” allowing his players to go.
Tournament organisers are now left with a crucial decision. They can press ahead with the tournament with two less nations, they can replace Australia and New Zealand, with the USA the frontrunner to be one of the team’s included, they can cancel the tournament all together or postpone it by 12 months.
The UK Government has offered up millions of dollars for the tournament to go ahead so their stance will prove pivotal.
Australian and New Zealand counterparts Mal Meninga and Michael Maguire said they were willing to feature in the tournament had their sides been given the green light. They are pushing for the tournament to be delayed by a year.
“The safety and the wellbeing of the players has to come first,” Meninga said. “It would’ve been fantastic to be part of a World Cup.
“I don’t know if postponing is an attraction for the tournament. I don’t know if this will be a wasted opportunity for rugby league.”
Australia has not played since losing to Tonga in 2019.
Meninga was open to playing a Test series at the end of the year.
“We need to play Test matches,” Meninga said.
“We can’t make those decisions until the World Cup committee sits with the UK Government to see what they are going to do. If they go ahead in some form, I can’t see us playing at the end of the year.”
Maguire added: “If it was on of course we would’ve gone. You do everything possible to be part of an international team.”
Wayne Bennett has coached Australia and England as well as having a role with the Kiwis. He said the tournament would go on without the top two nations.
“If England want to keep the World Cup alive and the other nations want to keep the World Cup alive I don’t think it’s our prerogative to interfere other than to tell them we’re not going,” Bennett said.
“I wouldn’t prevent any player I was coaching from going. If he wanted to go, it meant that much to him, and the competition was going on I don’t feel I have that right, personally.
“We don’t have an option when it comes to Origin or playing for Australia. If we refuse to play for Australia we get stood down. Is that going to happen to these players that want to play for their countries? It’s a complete double-standard.”
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