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.”
Big Daddy
Guest
One of the scenarios will be if they stop the season or postpone. If takes 10 weeks of no crowds that's approximately 1 million fans (100,000 per round) . At a minimum of $10 per head admission thats $10 million in lost revenue. If it's a whole season it's $20 million plus and you still have to pay the players. The lower tier teams will also be affected. Big call whatever it is. If they play to no crowds still have to pay for ground hire etc.
Marco
Guest
Why wait until Monday? Unbelievable! Stop the games now. If just one player or support staff is infected, the season will probably be stopped anyway. This is such an important health issue. The NBL have stopped fans attending, why can't the selfish NRL?
Succhi
Roar Rookie
I think the NRL will be suspended from Sunday night, and will have “demo” games for TV and fans in a month or so.
peter ostle
Guest
You will still have the issue that will occur if someone from the club, or related to a club person contracts the virus? What do you do then? They have called a meeting tomorrow and I think they will decide to play round 1 then stop until further notice.
Rellum
Roar Guru
The Warriors would have to play all their games here if the NRL are that keen on keeping their money coming in.
peter ostle
Guest
The nrl will have to postpone its season. The warriors will not be able to fulfil fixtures, and once one player gets the virus then that will mean that team has to isolate. The nrl should face reality, postpone the season. Why it is taking so long is who pays? Also, the people who will suffer the most from a postponement will be the low paid employees who make sure the game day happens.
R N
Roar Rookie
Morgan's comments were thoughtful and honest. I agree the season should be shut down. One point not discussed which I think is important.... This is a collision sport which sees multiple players each weekend getting injuries, some of which require surgery and rehab. 1 this puts players (and families) at increased risk of infection 2 is a small but unnecessary burden on services which will be at breaking point
The Barry
Roar Guru
As long as there’s not mass infection of players they can continue playing at empty stadiums. It’s not ideal but everything about the league season is set up for fans to watch on TV rather than at the ground It’s a better option than scrapping or suspending the season We saw earlier this week the damage it can do, but this might be a time we’re grateful that league players are living in a bubble from the outside world
Rellum
Roar Guru
Scotty from marketing must be getting a bit giddy by now, the rapture might just be upon us in his mind.
Nat
Roar Guru
At the very least I think/hope televised sport will keep people sane if we have to stay home. Of course I don't want to risk the players health either nor have them be carriers. Although it's highly unlikely the athletes would suffer anything more than flu symptoms.
Joe
Roar Rookie
I think this is one of the toughest decisions facing the NRL and pretty much companies and government. I don't think there's ever going to be a 'right' response. I think its better to err on the side of caution with something like this. Maybe even as Michael Morgan has suggested to suspend the season like the NBA. If the game is the fans there seems little point in playing in empty stadiums. The problem than becomes, what if the virus remains for longer e.g. 4-6 months..or worse what if returns a month or two after the season restarts. As I said, no easy answers with this one.
JohnnyRipe
Guest
They won’t be chewing their nails anymore though .
Insider
Roar Rookie
meanwhile after the game the players will mingle with the public and visit public spaces , yep no crowds will fix everything
kk
Roar Pro
The Greenberg gate may need some WD40.
Superspud
Roar Rookie
Well the precedent has been set. They are playing next weekend without crowds. As soon as a player or club official tests positive though that changes everything.
JohnnyRipe
Guest
There will be no season. How can 34 people wrestle in the mud without risk if contamination ?
RoarMan
Guest
I don't get it. Every sport should be in lockdown mode immediately. How the F are games with crowds allowed to continue under a pandemic situation. Every effort should be made to stop the spread of the virus, whether its sport, theatre or going to a Hillsong event. Looking at you Scumo.
JohnnyRipe
Guest
So you’re saying that spreading it this weekend is ok , but as a result of spreading this weekend, it won’t be ok to spread it next weekend. That explanation actually defies logic.
Superspud
Roar Rookie
Does anyone have any knowledge about what happens to tickets people have purchased for events that have been cancelled? I'm thinking that the entire season could be played crowd free.
JohnnyRipe
Guest
Perhaps all governments across the world are in on the joke ?