Warriors in serious danger of missing NRL restart

The Warriors are desperate to be part of rugby league’s revival but several logistical roadblocks could mean the revised season could start one team short.

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The Warriors could miss the return of the NRL competition with the team still unable to leave New Zealand ahead of a planned flight out on Sunday.

That trip is almost certainly not going to happen with the Auckland-based side unable to gain a clearance from the respective governments to leave New Zealand and enter Australia.

That delay could put a May 28 kick-off for the Warriors in jeopardy with the team needing to self isolate for 14 days when they finally arrive ahead of a proposed resumption of training on May 4.

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Warriors coach Stephen Kearney and his players need to depart New Zealand by Sunday in order to be out of quarantine by May 4 to begin training.

The NRL is working with contingency plans within its revised draw which will pave the way for “catch-up” games at some stage throughout the season.

This is intended for the likes of a Warriors delay or a team being forced to stand-down temporarily because of the coronavirus.

One potential catch-up period could occur when Origin is played.

Warriors boss Cameron George, chairman Rob Croot and coach Stephen Kearney had a phone hook-up with the NRL executives before speaking to the playing group.

The Warriors wrote to the NRL last week with a list of questions but received little communication back from the game’s head office.

It prompted Kearney to accuse the NRL of paying lip service to the “extreme sacrifice” the Warriors are making.

George said discussions with the governing body finally progressed.

Warriors chief executive Cameron George says many questions must be answered before they can board the Sunday flight.

“The key for us is to be in possession of all the information we need so our players, football staff and their families have a full understanding of what we’re facing,”

George said.

“There is still much detail to be worked through over the coming days but I’m encouraged with where we are now.”

Among the questions the Warriors penned to the NRL including what the competition structure is, location of where they will be based and allowing families to visit.

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The Warriors remain committed to being part of the competition this year even if it means a long-stretch away from home.

ARLC chairman Peter V’landys said discussions were ongoing with the respective governments to ensure the Warriors can compete.

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“We want the Warriors to be part of the 2020 season and we are doing everything we can to not only make that happen but provide the support they need at a family level,” V’landys said.

“It’s important to understand that our aim to restart the competition on May 28 is still six weeks away. We’re not proposing to start the competition next week.

“Accordingly we have ample time to analyse the data and ensure the infection rate is at such a low level there is minimal risk to our players or the community.

“It also gives us time to make all the necessary arrangements for the Warriors.”