NRL’s bold July push for return of fans faces obstacles
Reopening stadium gates for NRL fans will be dependent on the advice of medical experts, according to Health Minister Greg Hunt.
Reopening stadium gates for NRL fans will be dependent on the advice of medical experts, according to Health Minister Greg Hunt.
ARL Commission chair Peter V’landys has continued his bold plan towards NRL normality after floating the idea of having limited crowds back from July 1.
While the NSW and Queensland governments on Monday said they are open to the possibility, they concede discussions might be premature.
For Hunt, the answer is simple.
“We’ll be guided by the medical expert panel,” he said.
“There is a process which has been set up with the states and the medical expert panel to review all of the professional sports. And they will make judgments without fear or favour. They won’t make judgments on economic imperatives or anything.
“Our goal is to get Australians back to as much normality as possible as soon as possible, but our guideline is to do it safely.”
V’landys believes declining infection rates mean some club members could be able to attend games while observing social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Should he succeed with his latest push, it would make rugby league one of the few sports in the world to be operating with spectators.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian insisted the return of fans to sporting events is not part of any plan her government is currently exploring.
“It’s up to organisations to consider their options but certainly we’re not in that space yet,” Berejiklian said.
Pushed further on whether she felt it was too soon, the premier said: “We’re working our way through the list, and that’s not on the list yet.”
NSW chief health officer Kerry Chant agreed and added that the biggest risk would be the interactions of people on a large scale.
“We’re very keen to work with all organisations on how to establish a COVID-safe environment,” Chant said. “We don’t want mingling of groups that normally do not mingle.
“That is the reason we have limited the bookings to 10 (in restaurants), so you don’t have larger-scale interactions. We are vigilant and monitoring but, as the premier said, we are considering every organisation’s need and are happy to work with them.”
V’landys has already managed to win over both state governments on the safe return of the sport for Thursday’s resumption under strict biosecurity measures. Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk was at one stage one of the most-vocal critics before relenting earlier this month.
She was more open on Monday to the idea of capping crowd sizes.
“In July, I think the road map says gatherings of 100 people,” Palaszczuk said. “But they can submit a plan and, of course, we will take it each month as it comes.”
The NRL will keep a close watch on infection rates as the nation continues to come out of lockdown. The league remains hopeful of being able to have bigger numbers at finals matches and November’s State of Origin series.
The Origin venues have yet to be confirmed.
Meanwhile, despite spending 17 years at Brisbane, Andrew McCullough will go cold turkey on the Broncos when they run out on Thursday night against Parramatta to restart the NRL season.
But the former Queensland State of Origin hooker insists that’s because his focus is solely on Newcastle after leaving Red Hill on good terms.
A veteran of 260 games for the Broncos and signed to the club since age 13, McCullough made the switch last week to Newcastle.
He is expected to start on Sunday against Penrith at Campbelltown Stadium as the Knights’ new No 9 after Jayden Brailey’s season-ending injury. But when it comes to the Broncos’ clash with the Eels on Thursday night, McCullough says it’s unlikely he’ll be tuning in.
“I probably won’t (watch),” McCullough said.
“Just more so to keep myself away from football and to keep all my energy here with the Knights. I love those boys (up) there — they have been tremendous for me. I obviously wish them all the best. But my focus is all on the Knights and I just want to make sure I do everything I can to make sure I get the best result on Sunday.”
McCullough’s minutes were reduced last year before Jake Turpin claimed the No 9 jersey from him in 2020. It took him just days to link with Newcastle once the move was put forward, on a deal for this year only with an option for next season.
AAP
More Coverage
Brent Read: When they all sing the same tune the Eagles rock
For years the Sea Eagles has been a club rent by personality clashes and ancient feuds, but Manly are now flying high with a fresh sense of unity.
Sport Con: Tigers boss give players ultimatum
In a bid to avoid another painful season, Wests Tigers players were told that they needed to return to pre-season in tip-top shape – or face the consequences. See the full SPORT CONFIDENTIAL.