Following news that Australia seems to have got a handle on the Covid-19 virus and with travel restriction easing, NRL players have rejoined their clubs this week.

The RLPA has agreed a pay deal with the NRL and players will return to training on Wednesday with contact work and size of groups limited to 10.

Following strict Australian Institute of Sport’s phased return to sport guidelines, Monday was spent learning about the new biosecurity measures and Tuesday domestic changes were implemented to ensure the season can restart as planned.

New pandemic protocols will undoubtedly cause disruption, but once the season gets underway teams will play 18 consecutive games in a shortened 20-round season (two rounds were completed before suspension). The Grand Final is scheduled for 25 October followed by the State of Origin in the following weeks.

The RLPA agreed to a deal which will see players guaranteed 80 per cent of their contracted payment for the 2020 season.

“It is full steam ahead for the resumption of the competition on May 28,” ARLC Chairman Peter V’landys said.

“All eyes will be on the NRL as the only live sport on television. There will never have been more interest in rugby league than on May 28.

“Rugby league is part of the social fabric of so many communities. In these difficult times it will provide a tonic for so many seeking a form of normality during a period where nothing is normal” V’landys concluded.

References:

www.theguardian.com
www.nrl.com