When will Australian sports resume after being shut down due to coronavirus?

The NRL is less than three weeks away from resuming its season, while sports in South Korea have already restarted after being shut down due to coronavirus. But when will the AFL and other sports follow suit?

Melbourne's Suliasi Vunivalu scores a try during the Manly Sea Eagles v Melbourne Storm NRL match at Lottoland, Brookvale. Picture: Brett Costello

Melbourne Storm boss Dave Donaghy has told his players “the eyes of the country” are on them as the NRL prepares to resume its season on May 28.

Players returned to clubs on Monday and Storm players and officials are currently based across the border in Albury to bypass Victoria’s Stage 3 restrictions.

Many sporting organisations, including the AFL, are watching the NRL’s return with interest as they grapple with how to get their sports up and running again.

Even sporting organisations across the world such as the NBA, English Premier League and Formula One racing are struggling to find a way to restart.

Melbourne Storm clash with Manly in the opening round of the NRL season.

Donaghy said it was not lost on anybody in rugby league the significance of their decision.

“Back training this week on Monday, the first thing I said to our playing group and our staff was ‘the eyes of Melbourne and the country, if not once we’re back playing the eyes of the world, will be on NRL,’” Donaghy told the Herald Sun.

“That can be a double-edged sword and you need to dot all the I’s and cross all the T’ and follow all the regulations.

“On the other side, it’s an enormous opportunity provided we do all the right things.

“Rugby league will certainly be the first sport back in Australia and I think that sends a message of hope around the world.”

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The NRL was the first major sporting organisation in Australia to set a date for a return, which at the time was met with plenty of naysayers.

“Rugby league and controversy is like a moth to a flame, it goes with the territory,” Donaghy said.

“But I think people should be careful around attacking the game because I feel as though the game has taken a really sensible, mature as well as rapid approach to protect the health and safety of its players, staff and the wider community.

Melbourne's Suliasi Vunivalu scores a try during the opening round of the NRL campaign.

“It’s implemented some of the most restrictive and onerous protocols.

“I think for many mum and dad businesses all across the country, it’s a great example of what steps people need to take to get back to work as we head into the new normal.”

Donaghy said the leadership of hard-driving ARL commission chief Peter V’landys has been instrumental in getting the NRL to this point.

“Peter has absolutely led the charge,” he said.

“His understanding of the horse racing industry and the protocols and the steps they’ve taken to protect the health and safety of jockeys and staff as well as punters, has certainly played a role in our plans.”