Shutdowns put NRL in spotlight, says Boyd

BRONCOS star Darius Boyd says the shutdown of several major sports because of coronavirus concerns could have an unforeseen positive effect for the NRL.

While stressing that “we need to be safe and make sure we’re doing the right things”, Boyd believes that the governing body’s decision to play on in empty stadiums is the right one and could put the sport front-and-centre.

“It’s exciting, it’s good to be able to play footy still,” the 32year-old Boyd said.

“It’s a strange time at the moment. We’re doing the right thing and listening to the professionals.

“I’m happy to play. A lot of other sports aren’t playing, so there could be more eyeballs on the TV watching from home, more opportunities for rugby league to be seen abroad. So that could be a positive.

“It’s a society thing, it’s not just rugby league. We need to be safe and make sure we’re all looking after each other and doing the right things.”

MEANWHILE, NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg has revealed the league has begun exploring ways at continuing this year’s season without the Warriors.

The New Zealand club is currently in Kingscliff in northern NSW preparing for their round-two match against Canberra due to travel restrictions in their country.

However the Warriors have yet to commit to staying in Australia post-game, raising concerns about their possible exclusion for the rest of the season. Both New Zealand and Australian governments have required all international arrivals to self-quarantine for at least a fortnight due to the coronavirus.

“It’s very possible to continue the competition if the Warriors want to go home,” Greenberg said.

“Of course we want all 16 clubs playing in the competition, but that’s a step that is a scenario and we’ll only get to that after this weekend.”