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Consequences of Coronavirus for NRL

callmack1

Moderator
Staff member
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11,611
Looks like our worst fears in terms of the NRL this year are set to be realised.

NRL opening round clouded after government advised to ban public gatherings: https://www.rabbitohs.com.au/news/2...-government-advised-to-ban-public-gatherings/

Coaches happy to play behind closed doors: https://www.nrl.com/news/2020/03/13/coaches-happy-to-play-behind-closed-doors/

Live updates - NRL on verge of shutdown as PM threatens to ban crowds from Monday: https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nr...n/news-story/514a670b44d8aa76ee037269e946ab18

NRL consider rescue packages as projected losses hit tens of millions: https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nr...s/news-story/af96288872d93fe606d2a08860f5c28c

Press Conference shortly. It's not looking good at all.
 

Travitoh

First Grade
Messages
5,157
It's one of those things that is bigger than sport.

While the virus isn't necessarily a death sentence, slowing it's spread is still important to allow for medical services to cope with the increased demand and be able to focus on those who'll need more medical attention.

Personally, i don't believe that any sport should be played. As we've seen in European football and US sports, athletes aren't immune and neither are their families.

Sport isn't critical to the structure of society and one death that could've been prevented is too many.
 

Rabbit toes

First Grade
Messages
5,277
It's one of those things that is bigger than sport.

While the virus isn't necessarily a death sentence, slowing it's spread is still important to allow for medical services to cope with the increased demand and be able to focus on those who'll need more medical attention.

Personally, i don't believe that any sport should be played. As we've seen in European football and US sports, athletes aren't immune and neither are their families.

Sport isn't critical to the structure of society and one death that could've been prevented is too many.
Yeah but what if you’re a diamond club member?
 

callmack1

Moderator
Staff member
Messages
11,611
NRL opening round going ahead as PM declares ban on public gatherings: https://www.nrl.com/news/2020/03/13...oronavirus-before-making-decision-on-matches/

Round 1 to go ahead, Round 2 behind closed doors after Coronavirus outbreak: https://www.nrl.com/news/2020/03/13/nrl-reacts-to-coronavirus-outbreak/

Club Statement Regarding COVID-19: https://www.rabbitohs.com.au/news/2020/03/13/club-statement-regarding-covid-19/

I'm obviously gutted that games are going to be played in empty stadiums after Round 1 because it just won't be the same. However, I 100% agree with the NRL's decision and applaud it. It is the best thing to do in the current situation. Feeling pretty grateful that we are at least still playing and will still get to watch the games on TV.

These are crazy times, unprecedented times. This has never happened in the history of Rugby League and may never happen again.
 

Travitoh

First Grade
Messages
5,157
Danny Weidler reports that Bronson Xerri has been tested for coronavirus.

If that comes back positive then it is possible that another Cronulla player will also be carrying the virus and will take the field against Souths tomorrow.

Don't be shocked if the comp is suspended before tomorrow's game.
 

southsport

First Grade
Messages
9,556
Danny Weidler reports that Bronson Xerri has been tested for coronavirus.

If that comes back positive then it is possible that another Cronulla player will also be carrying the virus and will take the field against Souths tomorrow.

Don't be shocked if the comp is suspended before tomorrow's game.

That could be a distinct possibility.
 

callmack1

Moderator
Staff member
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11,611
From the Daily Telegraph,

NRL’s Magic Round-style plan to counter coronavirus threat

With the coronavirus epidemic threatening to shut down the 2020 season, the NRL is considering a ‘magical’ plan to keep the competition going.

The NRL is considering implementing an extraordinary Magic Round-type concept proposed by Wayne Bennett that could run for up to a month in a bold bid to keep the competition alive during the global coronavirsus crisis.

The Saturday Telegraph can reveal that top level talks were initiated yesterday afternoon after the Rabbitohs coach pitched the idea to Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V’landys.

Bennett’s proposal is one of a number of other contingency plans are being discussed in the wake Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s admission that all mass gatherings would be banned from Monday.

“It is an absolute possibility,” V’landys confirmed. “Our greatest risk is if we can’t play the games because the majority of our revenue comes from broadcast.

“So as long as we can broadcast the games, we have to look at every scenario to be able to do that.“Rugby league is our relaxation.

“It forms an important part of the fabric of our society and we need to keep people’s spirits up accordingly.

“Having rugby league to continue to be played is essential.”

If the Magic Round-type concept was to go ahead it would require all teams ideally going into lockdown

in one city and playing all their games out of one venue.

However, it’s understood the NRL is also considering basing teams in a small number of locations and playing out multiple venues across regional and metropolitan areas.

This would still allow the players to be isolated away from the general public to reduce risk of them catching and spreading the virus.

It would also reduce the impact of having eight games a week played in the one stadium over an extended period.

While crowds would not be allowed into stadiums where matches are played, this could potentially save the NRL from suspending the competition which would be a financial disaster for everyone involved in the game.

It is estimated could cost the game up to $4m each week to play games without spectators and as it stands, there is no end in sight.

Bennett said he floated the Magic Round-type concept because of his concern that the game could not afford to go into an extended lockdown.

“We are all unsure about the near future but even if it means one venue for all the clubs to play at for a period of time, we have to consider all alternatives,” Bennett said.

“We have to keep the game on TV because of the contract we have but also because so many people are dependent upon our game.

“If we have to play at empty stadiums I don’t believe for one minute we would miss a beat.

“Sure, we all love playing in front of packed stadiums but right now we have to consider every option.

“Rugby league means so much to all people who follow the game and particularly at a time where no one is sure where it is all going.

“Our sport is something that entertains everybody and it is something they all look forward to.

“One option we don’t want to lose is the option to play.”
 

Inkers75

Juniors
Messages
289
At the moment here in the UK Super League is still as you were. (with the exception of the Catalans v Rhinos game). However considering football has been suspended until April 3rd I suspect that may change come Monday.
 

Rabbit57

Juniors
Messages
170
Awesome news today’s game is going ahead!
Is this the last game with spectators at ANZ before rebuild? If we are going to play without spectators might as well use Redfern, Belmore oval, etc. as long as we can get a decent telecast from the smaller venues.
 

Rabbits20

Immortal
Messages
41,611
Is this the last game with spectators at ANZ before rebuild? If we are going to play without spectators might as well use Redfern, Belmore oval, etc. as long as we can get a decent telecast from the smaller venues.
No idea mate what’s going to happen!
 

callmack1

Moderator
Staff member
Messages
11,611
Greenberg - Games at one location an option: https://www.nrl.com/news/2020/03/14/greenberg-games-at-one-location-an-option/

Warriors to stay in Australia after NZ announces travel restrictions: https://www.nrl.com/news/2020/03/15...ralia-after-nz-announces-travel-restrictions/

Northern exposure - Bennett's bold plan to move games: https://www.nrl.com/news/2020/03/14/northern-exposure-bennetts-bold-plan-to-move-games/

Phil Gould’s dire prediction ahead of NRL’s coronavirus decision: https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nr...e/news-story/ee20e0c8e66e6401ff282f2baeec35ae

'Act of god' clause could cost NRL players, clubs millions: https://wwos.nine.com.au/nrl/nrl-st...d-clause/06d8d804-fd8e-492d-aff0-2117b5d3a671
 

callmack1

Moderator
Staff member
Messages
11,611
NRL considering resort’s offer to house all 16 teams during coronavirus crisis: https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nr...e/news-story/b1334d22cac24480cb427867a647302a

Competition shutdown would be 'catastrophic' for NRL: https://www.nrl.com/news/2020/03/15/competition-shut-down-would-be-catastrophic-for-nrl/

Round 2 - Fan and Member Information: https://www.nrl.com/news/2020/03/15/round-2-fan-and-member-information/

Smith calls for NRL to suspend competition, DCE happy to play on: https://www.nrl.com/news/2020/03/15/smith-calls-for-nrl-to-suspend-competition-dce-happy-to-play-on/

NRL on brink of collapse as Warriors reportedly vote against remaining in Australia past Round 2: https://wwos.nine.com.au/nrl/nrl-on...onavirus/521e3c7c-e328-4fef-94ea-f80b5bf36cbf

NRL players anxious for health of families: https://wwos.nine.com.au/nrl/nrl-pl...families/b7e0dabd-42a2-4f19-a9d7-d3b76f42bd51
 

callmack1

Moderator
Staff member
Messages
11,611
Sorry to post a lot of articles but we need to stay updated.

Blake Solly Provides an Update on COVID-19: https://www.rabbitohs.com.au/news/2020/03/16/blake-solly-provides-an-update-on-covid-19/

Update on Training at Redfern: https://www.rabbitohs.com.au/news/2020/03/16/update-on-training-at-redfern/

Greenberg pleads for patience: https://www.nrl.com/news/2020/03/16/greenberg-pleads-for-patience/

Greenberg - A positive test wouldn't mean Season shuts down: https://www.nrl.com/news/2020/03/16...-19-test-wouldnt-mean-competition-shuts-down/

NRL coronavirus news updates: https://www.nrl.com/news/2020/03/16/nrl-coronavirus-news-updates/

Live updates - NRL says Round 2 still going ahead as Phil Gould puts heat on ‘vulnerable’ administration: https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nr...e/news-story/43f9b7821a50f5bf704a88fa00ff3fb6

‘$20m hit’ - Peter V’landys’ dire forecast if 2020 State of Origin is cancelled: https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nr...s/news-story/99268346f16cc9a569cacd6ad2264013

Show us the money - Gus questions how NRL is ‘vulnerable’ amid coronavirus crisis: https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nr...e/news-story/20d2db4ac17c052ebfb20fad6843cdbb
 
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