Life is full of moments when time seemingly stands still.
For me, Princess Diana’s death, the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the 2004 tsunami and, more happily, Cathy Freeman’s triumph in Sydney and the Sharks’ maiden premiership stand out. I may not be able to remember what I did last month, but I remember exactly where I was when those events were reported.
We are still not near its peak, but the coronavirus pandemic will be remembered as one of those moments. Of course, the difference this time is that normal life has ceased.
After 9/11, there was a distinctly uneasy feeling around but, otherwise, life continued pretty much as normal. You could still do a weekly shop without fear of missing out, go to the movies or attend a sporting fixture.
You can’t do that now, and that is exactly why the NRL must continue behind closed doors as long as it can. We need to have that sense of normality, the comfort that some things continue on regardless.
I’ve heard the arguments against continuing. I’m desperately sorry, and equally grateful, for the New Zealand Warriors bunkering down in Australia, away from family and friends.
I also recognise the impact of even one player testing positive for COVID-19 and applaud the steps the NRL are taking to minimise that likelihood. From what I’m seeing, they are a whole lot safer than the thousands of people at Bondi Beach. They are exactly the reason the virus will spread, not the NRL.
I don’t accept the argument that the NRL are being selfish and too focussed on finances. Like many, I’m impacted by the fact that organised sport has effectively stopped for the average Australian.
However, I don’t have the safeguards around me like the NRL players now do. Not many people would be upset if my tennis team was no more. If any of the NRL teams didn’t survive this, it would be a different story.
(Photo by Ashley Feder/Getty Images)
And, so far, so good. Whilst it’s different watching the NRL on TV without any crowd noise, the talk on-field is something unique to viewers. The quality of games has also been high.
Take the Broncos versus Rabbits game on Friday night. Several lead changes, momentum shifts and individual brilliance by Kotoni Staggs. The product is still good.
TV ratings are also high, across both the NRL and AFL. However, the NRL is perhaps made for TV more than AFL. There seems more noise south of the border about the downward shift in the quality of the football without fans. I haven’t seen the same issue with the NRL, bearing in mind it is still early in the season.
The next few months are going to be uncertain times. If parts of Australia do go into lockdown, it’s entirely possible that the NRL will have to pause. However, for as long as it possibly can, the game should go on.
Albo
Roar Rookie
I don't begrudge what the players earn as contracted salaries. Its up to NRL and their Clubs to pay what they see is fit for their value to the sport. But I reckon the players are taking piss in lobbying for and taking 29% of the NRL's profit , yet picking up none of costs or losses ? We needed Vlandys in charge before that one was allowed through ! Will be interesting to see if they take a "haircut " quietly, if the game gets shut down ?
Noosa Duck
Roar Rookie
I wonder if we did a poll Albo and just got a general opinion in regard to what we pay players and the head office and what we now see NOT going back into grass roots and country footy, I wonder what the general feeling of the punters would be. I do not begrudge a player earning a fair quid ans it is generally about a 8-10 earning span at the elite level, but a $mil a season seems to be getting beyond a joke. We cannot compare to the USA either because they have the population to support the salaries they pay to their top sports people and their sports have just become massive show biz industries anyway Personally if you add pre season training and the comp time most players are actually "Working"for about 81/2 months of the year.
Albo
Roar Rookie
Didn't the NRL cede 29% of profits to the players ? Will they also be sharing the losses ?
Noosa Duck
Roar Rookie
The income stream for the NRL is from television, no games no pay .....yes the game will continue but the NRL wouldn't. As is was pointed out recently when the commission was formed there was supposed to be a sinking fund put in place or as they call them these days a "future fund"" somehow that just never happened. Under Grant we have ended up with a top heavy organisation that is massively over staffed & over paid and we are now paying the top players way, way over dibbs . It appears no contingency fund and living week to week.......
JohnnyRipe
Guest
It was a stupid decision to play round one . Greenburg has been shown to be a dope once again.
JGK
Roar Guru
Kayo really is pretty cheap.
Zedman
Roar Rookie
Thousands
JGK
Roar Guru
Indeed. The players will still be around.
JGK
Roar Guru
Unlikely to now given that all states are going into lockdown. Titans v Eels will be the last match for a while I reckon.
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
Agreed, continue normality and give people something to distract them and entertainment beyond endless movies. Press on NRL.
Slapsy
Roar Rookie
There is talk about the NRL going broke unless the games are played. Why is that a big deal? Wouldn't the game still be played in the local parks once this is all over? Use this as an opportunity to reorganise the game. Get back to the grassroots. Get rid of the overpaid dead wood.
JohnnyRipe
Guest
When the powers are stoopid enough to allow passengers of cruise ships to wander in and out unchecked, I think we’re in serious trouble, it almost appears as though they want it to spread. So it’s no surprise there has been no crackdown on sports . The way it’s going , each code may be responsible for thousands of infections and numerous deaths . This is could get a lot uglier a lot of people think and there’s possibly a lot more to it than we’re getting told . Extremely irresponsible on the behalf of all sports codes to continue, but no surprise that greed is pulling rank on common sense.
Stormy
Roar Rookie
Couldn't agree more, David. Any degree of normality & or distraction is absolutely vital, in these days of uncertainty. For me, footy is a necessity of life, so, long may it live.
Glen
Guest
I respect the NRL's willingness to truck on but it will eventually get to the point where it will have to stop. It will be too risky for society to keep allowing such travel and activities at a time when we are trying to limit the spread of the disease. I have followed the NRL since I was born but if it goes under...so be it.
David Holden
Roar Guru
Probably best you take that up with the Roar management, mate. Hopefully not too far away from starting these again but crazy times indeed
Walter White
Guest
Second that As someone who cannot afford Fox or Kayo and the others, I am rather dependent on these reports for my footy update particularly on a Saturday. Hope they come back soon.
Flexis
Roar Rookie
Speaking of continuing on, what’s the story with the lack of live blogs recently? Sorely missed!!