How NRL clubs are adapting to the heat for this weekend’s trial games

WHEN things hit 40 degrees you need to get a little bit creative. The NRL clubs are pulling out all stops to stay cool this weekend.

James Tamou drinks water with team mates during Penrith Panthers training in 38c heat at the Panthers Academy. pic Mark Evans

THE trial between Canterbury and Penrith has been pushed back to 7.45pm and there was even talk of shifting the Belmore pre-season blowout to Sunday.

Sydney’s heatwave continued to cause chaos for rugby league officials, with all junior representative games cancelled on Saturday as the mercury gets set to nudge a Venus-like 43 degrees celcius.

While St George Illawarra’s trial against the Wests Tigers at WIN Stadium will proceed at 7.40pm, and the South Sydney and Manly game is locked in for 7.30pm at Campbelltown, the Dogs-Panthers fixture has been pushed back twice — and might yet move again.

“I couldn’t sit here and say, ‘no’, so it’s a possibility,’’ Dogs boss Raelene Castle told The Saturday Telegraph.

Did you hear? Saturday is going to be hot. Pic: Mark Evans

“At the end of the day NRL games kick off at 8pm, and Origin games kick off later. We’ll see how the weather goes and we’ll judge it on the day.’’

Castle said the option to move it to Sunday was discussed, especially with the forecast to be much cooler.

But not only were there catering and security headaches, Castle said a Sunday kick-off would have also left the players with a shorter turnaround heading into their final trial.

Canterbury travel to Hobart to play Melbourne on Saturday while Penrith host bitter rivals Parramatta.

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The Eels will trial later on Saturday night against the Titans in Alice Springs, but coach Brad Arthur said the weather would be cooler than Sydney, and the three previous years his team had visited the Red Centre, “the weather has been warm but pleasant come kick-off’’.

The Belmore trial was moved from 6pm to 7pm, only to be delayed again to 7.45pm. The Holden Cup trial was shifted to the earlier slot of 9am.

The NRL’s heat guidelines state: “Pre-season trial matches should only proceed when the Club Doctor for each of the opposing teams both agree that, in their joint opinion, the prevailing weather conditions are considered safe for play.’’

The Bulldogs had planned to play against Penrith at Belmore.

Bulldogs doctor Bassam Moses and Penrith counterpart Norm Southern will have the ultimate say. Both western Sydney clubs have trained in the shocking heat all summer.

Manly will use a slurpee machine to combat the heat for their 7.30pm kick-off at Campbelltown against hosts South Sydney, who will provide two giant inflatable water slides for fans.

WIN Stadium is by the coast with any sea breeze to make it easier for Dragons and Tigers players whose 7.40pm kick-off is unlikely to move.

The Sydney Roosters on Friday night flew out for Mackay for their trial against North Queensland, with Luke Keary to make his club debut, but halves partner Mitchell Pearce will be saved for next weekend’s final hitout against Manly.

The NSWRL has cancelled all junior representative matches in the opening round of the Harold Matthews (U16 boys), SG Ball (U18 boys) and the Tarsha Gale Cup (U18 girls) competitions this weekend.