NRL 2020: New Zealand Warriors yet to commit to new season
The Warriors put on a brave front before the competition was suspended last month. This time though they have put a list of questions to the NRL that could determine whether 2020 will host a 16-team competition.
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The New Zealand Warriors have written to the NRL with a list of questions which need answers before they commit to being part of the competition this year.
The Warriors are supposed to fly out of Auckland next Sunday before arriving in Australia where they will need to self-isolate for 14 days. They still do not have official clearance from the respective Australian and New Zealand governments to travel despite the intentions to exit the county in just eight days.
However, if the coronavirus infection rate continues to drop, the NRL remain hopeful the governments in both countries will open up the boarders, potentially allowing the Warriors to stay home longer.
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The Daily Telegraph has learnt Warriors boss Cameron George wrote to the NRL hierarchy with a “lengthy email” of questions having met with his playing and coach staff in the morning.
Among their requests include:
– Clarity around the competition structure.
– Location of where the Warriors will be based.
– Request to not be housed in a hotel but instead a dorm-like facility.
– Allowing families to visit.
– Financial impact for players and club.
George confirmed he “fired off a heap of queries to the NRL”.
“We collated a heap of information that we wanted some clarity and better understanding over,” George said. “If you work your way back from the 28th May start date, it’s pretty important we understand what it’s all about so we can make an educated decision.
“We have to be vacating the country next Sunday to meet the deadlines.
“We need to present some clarity to the players and their families to make sure no-one commits to this process unless they are fully informed.”
George met with the players via video conference on Thursday night after the NRL’s decision to fast-track a return to play on May 28. He followed it up with a senior players and coaching staff meeting yesterday.
He said the players and staff were fully committed to taking part in this year’s competition.
“The vibe underpinning every question is a desire to play,” George said. “It would be easy for us to shut the gate and say we’re not doing it.
“We want to be in the competition.
“That aside there is a lot of personal stuff here that is vastly different from other clubs. We can’t be in a position where there is no felicity for families and other associates of the playing group or staff that want to come spend time with them. Hotel rooms aren’t the best environment for those things.
“It’s crucial to us that our players and staff from a mental wellbeing and welfare perspective are comfortable and happy.”