Handshakes out as NRL locks down to combat coronavirus

The handshake is out, the back slap is in and NRL players urged to avoid contact with fans.

Todd Greenberg has sent clubs a document outlining measures to combat coronavirus

The handshake is out, the back slap is in and players have been urged to avoid contact with fans under fresh guidelines released by NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg to combat the threat of the coronavirus.

All 16 clubs were on Thursday sent a document outlining the measures they should introduce as the game seeks to avoid the challenges that have forced codes across the globe to go into lockdown mode.

“The guidelines are focused on the risk of COVID-19 and are shaped by our priority to protect the health and safety of our employees, players and fans,” Greenberg says in the document.

“The guidelines also reflect our collective obligation to take measured and sensible actions to reduce the potential transmission of COVID-19 within our community

“These guidelines will limit interactions between players and public and will alter traditional activities that are commonplace within clubs.

“These are important steps for us all to implement to protect the health of the people in our ecosystem and do our best to assist the broader community effort to slow the spread of the virus.”

Players have been urged to avoid handshakes and close contact with members of the public and instead acknowledge their support by clapping or acknowledging them from the sidelines.

The pre- and post-match handshake has been banned and the NRL instead suggests using a back slap to acknowledge teammates and opponents.

As revealed in The Australian earlier this week, players have also been urged to avoid taking selfies with fans or take items such as pens from general members of the public.

Clubs have also been told to significantly restrict access to the dressing rooms after games. The recommendations also urge clubs to take reasonable steps to limit player contact with community organisations such as hospitals or schools.

“This will help mitigate the risk of players contracting the virus and it will reduce the burden on these facilities and organisations that are already facing challenges with hygiene supervision,” the edict states.

It is understood the Melbourne Storm have suspended all community and sponsor appearances. It seems only a matter of time before other clubs follow suit.