NRL issues ambitious May day call

May 21 has become the NRL’s ambitious target for a return to action as they watch the infection rate of coronavirus dramatically drop.

The NRL will consider an option on Thursday to return to the playing field on May 21. Picture: Brett Costello

Peter V’landys has confirmed it could be just 42 days before the NRL is back on our TV screens as the Project Apollo team get ready to deliver a rugby league miracle on May 21.

And in another stunning development ahead of Thursday’s crucial Project Apollo meeting, The Australian understands that the NRL is now leaning towards a 15-round competition draw where every team plays each other once — as opposed to the controversial two conference option.

This would include having State of Origin played in the traditional middle stage of the season.

There is an increasingly likelihood that all Sydney-based players will be allowed to stay living in their homes and not in a bubble-type environment.

This would also be the case for the Canberra Raiders and Newcastle Knights players if teams are not forced into lockdown.

And while border restrictions most likely will force teams outside NSW and Canberra to relocate to Sydney for an expected period of two weeks, it is hoped they also can return to their home bases after that and travel by chartered flights on game day.

This is all due to the continued drop in COVID-19 percentages in NSW with the daily increase in cases now 1.79 per cent compared to 22.27 per cent when the competition was suspended after round two. It was initially thought the NRL would be lucky to return as early as July but that was then brought forward to May 28.

Now it could kick off another week earlier.

“I am optimistic (the season could be back playing on May 21),” V’landys said. “The committee is considering that (on Thursday) and I don’t want to pre-empt any of their recommendations, but that is a possibility, yes.”

V’landys would not speculate on what the competition draw would be, although the 15-round draw was now the preferred option ahead of the two conference system that upset many when it was revealed teams could lose competition points already accrued.

“I will be happy with whatever recommendation they come up with,” V’landys said.

“The most important thing for me is restarting the season.

“You have to inspire people. I appreciate there is going to be no crowds but having rugby league back on the TV will just bring back a little bit of normality.”

NSW deputy premier John Barilaro said he would work with the NRL to get it restarted.

“I think the NRL is the tonic that we need to get through this crisis,” Barilaro told Nine News.

Following a morning meeting of the Project Apollo team, it is expected a recommendation will be put to the commission and that will be followed by a club hook-up to reveal all to the clubs. The NRL has also been in high level talks with government officials who are expected to clear a path for the New Zealand Warriors to relocate to Australia.

While the Warriors will have to go into self-isolation for two weeks as part of the strict Australian border controls, they will be allowed to train together as a team.

The NRL is hoping if the COVID-19 percentages continue to drop all Australian teams will be allowed to return to their home bases by mid to late June and travel to games on chartered flights, as was the case before the competition was suspended.

Queensland clubs, in particular, face a degree of uncertainty under plans to resume on May 21 or 28.

Due to the tighter restrictions in Queensland, they would be asked to relocate to Sydney for an indeterminate amount of time and live in a defined area where strict protocols around social contact will be put in place.

Initially, the NRL is likely to suggest a two or four-week window before the situation is revisited. However, if Queensland maintains its tougher restrictions, the northern clubs could be asked to remain in Sydney until the grand final, should they make it that far. The Warriors could be in the same boat.

North Queensland chief executive Jeff Reibel said players would be reluctant to leave their families behind.

“We will listen to all options naturally, but our preference is to stay in Queensland,” he said.

“It’s a huge ask for our players to go into self-isolation in Sydney. My priority is the welfare of our players and their families.

“We would much rather be playing at home in Queensland or even better North Queensland.”