Maroons great Gorden Tallis is pleading with Queensland’s NRL players to move heaven and earth to ensure the competition resumes.
Even if that means moving away from their families.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has made it clear she is not a fan of the NRL restarting on May 28, reminding the Brisbane Broncos, North Queensland Cowboys and Gold Coast Titans they are not exempt from quarantine laws.
Palaszczuk says players from the three Queensland clubs will not be permitted to travel back and forth to Sydney to play games under current restrictions, declaring they would be subject to 14-days’ quarantine any time they return to the Sunshine State.
It means the only way that Brisbane, North Queensland or the Gold Coast could participate in the competition as it is currently envisaged would be if they remain in camp south of the border.
Tallis, who famously sat out the 1996 season in support of Super League and his commitment to the Broncos, said the current-day players must also be prepared to make sacrifices for the greater good of the game.
“Mate, I’m prepared to drive down to come and sit on the couch (to be on Fox League Live),” Tallis said.
“The players, they’ve got to do whatever they’ve got to do to get paid, to make sure the competition goes ahead. Simple as that.”
The NRL had hoped interstate teams would be able to travel for games and training using chartered planes.
“They would not meet the criteria (to cross the border),” said Palaszczuk, adding it will be a “long way before lifting restrictions” in Queensland.
“And, secondly, we need to make sure we have clear health advice.
“And I say to all the sporting organisations: let’s just take a break. Let’s get this ‘flattening the curve’ under control.
“And then we can talk to the health officers about getting advice. Let’s not rush this. Let’s take it slowly.”
Pickett
Roar Rookie
Exactly right Tom G. They had compulsory council elections in Qld just 2 weeks ago even though people advised Pauluzek to cancel, postpone or extend the postal vote system - and this was for voting in an election where no one knew the candidates, issues and what they were even voting for. Standing in line, sharing pencils, lots of people in a small hall etc. And yes, those who didn't vote will be fined.
Albo
Roar Rookie
Wait till the next poll . Palaszczuk could change her tune inside a week.
Nick
Roar Guru
Paul, I think the more accurate question is why does NRL think it's above the fray when it comes to expert advice? The prevailing expert advice, including the advice sought by government officials, is that the social distancing needs to stay in place. Why the NRL think they are exempt from it is a mystery. As it stands, it is against the law to play.
Paul
Roar Guru
I don't get where the Qld Premier is coming from? She's decided before the NRL has given her a solid plan, that "things are different north of the border". Why doesn't she let the relevant health experts from the relevant governments examine what the NRL is proposing, before deciding this won't work? Sometimes as a politician, it's better to say nothing, then make a statement once the experts have weighed in. This is one of those times.
Tom G
Roar Rookie
I note that the Qld Premier was as keen as mustard to allow elections the other week against all advice that they be postponed. She was even threatening fines for those who didn't comply.. I would suggest that this placed more people in the sunshine state in danger than anything to date. Looks like it's a case of do as I say not as I do. Politicians, short on brains and memory it appears