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The National Rugby League is set to play matches behind closed doors from Round 2 after holding crisis meetings in response to the coronavirus.
An initial meeting was held before the opening Round 1 game between the Bulldogs and the Eels and all options about what to do with matches were put on the table.
After receiving advice from the relevant health authorities and the increased number of cases of the virus the NRL has decided the best course of action is to follow a number of sports in locking out fans.
While all matches are expected go ahead as normal this weekend, the Canterbury Bulldogs confirmed the news for Round 2 on their website.
“The NRL has advised the Bulldogs to comply with a ban on large gatherings by the NSW State and Australian Federal Government, which means we will be playing our Round 2 match against the Cowboys behind closed doors,” the statement read.
“We believe this is the right decision to minimise the risk of public exposure to the coronavirus, which the World Health Organisation declared a global pandemic on Thursday.”
“We are currently working through the implications for our members and fans, and once we have further information, we will communicate this to you as soon as possible.”
It comes after NRL CEO Todd Greenberg flew to Townsville earlier in the day for the opening of the new stadium that will play host to the Cowboys and Broncos.
An NRL coronavirus sub-committee will be formed to address the unique and challenging circumstances around stadium lockouts including the commercial hit to the sport including clubs.
The sub-committee will continue to monitor the situation closely with a suspension of the season not out of the question.
It comes after several high profile sports cancellations including the Australian Grand Prix and the suspension of the NBA season.
“We are on the precipice of a really major upheaval for sport. It’s not going away and it seems to be getting worse and worse,” Rugby league writer Andrew Webster said on the Big Sports Breakfast.
“That has a major effect for NRL clubs who walk a fine line when it comes to their finances at the best of times.”
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