NRL puts date on training return, confirms season restart in May

The QLD government were pretty clear in the media, and reportedly behind closed doors, that the NRL shouldn’t even bother trying to get games played in QLD. It wasn’t until after things started looking a bit more likely that the government back tracked and said they wanted a plan put forth and were open to the possibility of it dependant on state medical advice. Whether it was a miscommunication between the two parties and/or government departments, or just a change of heart I wouldn’t know. Given the details available though the latter seems a lot more likely and the NRL could hardly be blamed for leaving them out in the cold. Imo if the NRL can get something organised quickly then go for it, but it looks to me as a bridge too far in regards to time restraints. for the moment I think they should commit to playing all matches in NSW for the first 4 rounds at least and revisit the issue once they have their safeguards in place and the competition going again.

Actually I think Vlandy's is pushing the envelope quite hard and in a very professional manner. Most of the whinging is because he doesn't have all the answers/approvals yet but he never was going to have. The important thing is that he has all of those things in 5 weeks time. The NRL is being both innovative and professional for once and I haven't been able to say that about the NRL too often.

It does do that but it does compromise the amount of money the NRL is likely to salvage out of this season. It also means that any window to sell international broadcast rights in a vacuum is narrowing.

I suspect its Nine that is dragging its feet with the agreement. I think the NRL should should just say it starts on the 28th and will run for 22 weeks now who wants a piece of that. If Ch9 don't want to play then go talk to Ch7.

This is why you cant have ex players on the Commission (pearce)- they don't have govt approval, they can aim to start then are no means certain - it will just be the NRL blaming the Govt - its amateur hour

Spruce, every time I see a press release from the NRL they keep saying they are having ongoing negotiations between the broadcasters and continued talks with state governments and health officials but still nothing concrete. I can understand V'Landys frustration but we are still getting mixed messages from every body but until there is water tight approval it's better to err on the side of not starting until July 1 at the earliest.

I believe the NSW Health department COVID 19 restrictions on gatherings doesn't expire until 29 June so I haven't heard anything to the contrary and that was one reason why NSWRL cancelled all competitions.

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So they can confirm a start date… but haven’t actually discussed it with the Queensland government. What a joke.

Dayer, I'm trying not to be negative but I want the game much as back as much as anything. I just think that extra 5 weeks gives them a little bit more breathing room. Any pollies or health officials that gives the green light and it goes belly up may as well kiss their career goodbye. But your right about 1 thing. Go the Broncos.

Last time it was a post dated letter so call me a cynic but I don't really trust this light on facts announcement by Wayne. It's a bit whiffy imo

I don't think they are negative smart ass comments. I think asking a question about whether relevant government approvals have been granted is in fact a very sensible question.

Yes yes yes bring it on NRL. to all the doubters that keep on posting their “negative” smart ass comments like the NRL should have, why this why that blah blah .. all i can say to these people is just go with the flow and wait for the next chapter. be positive, the only thing that will stop the game is Mr or Mrs Corona virus. go the broncos

BE POSITIVE AND BE PATIENT. its getting there it will happen

I think you're drawing from a few different areas there to make your arguement. I don't think the NRL are trusted any more than any other code, they just planned to come back before any other code. All applications from the various codes will be judged on their merit. Plus, every code has misfits. Some codes have a higher profile so it's bigger news. Just recently we had the A-League player breaking quarantine and going for a driving tour while drunk. The AFL player in the last few days... Of course there is a level of trust/expectation with the players but it's not limited to NRL. The schools are open to help working parents and essential services. No one wants to have to choose between going to work and looking after the kids. Allowing them to gather at school is necessary, going to footy isn't.

BD be positive and be patient

Exactly right Big Daddy. I know it is still early and this is a fluid situation but it would be helpful to hear some governmental confirmation that they have the green light. Aside from being the one major code with almost all of its clubs located in one state, what does NRL have that other codes don't which would allow them to resume playing before the others?

Yeah, there was still nothing in there about government sign off. And I've heard them say twice now NZ warriors have approval to leave NZ, but nothing has been furnished to support that claim.

I'm waiting for them to explain how the NRL can be trusted and other sports and businesses can't when the NRL has a history of players not doing as they are told... I mean, if NSW say it is safe for kids to go to school then why can't they play junior sport with parents staying in cars? Why can't kids go to NRL games when they resume?

Wayne Pearce also said; ”The government authorities we have spoken to are very supportive of what we're looking to do because we are actually looking to hold ourselves to very high standards, and that will certainly exceed what community expectations are."... Don’t/shouldn't the NRL always try to exceed community standards? And how’s that worked out in the past?.... Don't get me wrong, I miss footy, and maybe most things we are used to will be good to go in late May - but to think somehow the NRL and its players can be more responsible than Joe Public is fantasy stuff.