V’landys forecasts crowds for events from August

PETER V’landys is confident of having capacity crowds for the NRL grand final and The Everest in Sydney in spring.

Speaking on Big Sports Breakfast Weekend yesterday, V’landys said provided NSW’s coronavirus infection rate did not spike he predicted fans would be able to attend events and race meetings without restrictions from August 1.

The Australian Rugby League Commission chairman and Racing NSW chief executive said both sports were slowly opening their gates.

He expects the $15 million The TAB Everest to be held before 40,000 punters at Randwick on October 17, while eight days later, the NRL grand final, likely to be at the 80,000-plus ANZ Stadium, will also be played in front of a sellout crowd.

“If the community infection (rate) stays where they are, which is next to nil, there is no reason we can’t get full houses to the grand final and The Everest,’’ V’landys said.

“The plan was from August 1 to have no restrictions in NSW, it all depends on the data.

“We are very confident but also very apprehensive that the slightest mistake can bring it (restrictions) all back again.’’

He also dismissed conjecture he may have to choose between his high-profile roles.

“Absolutely,’’ V’landys said when asked if he planned to stay on as ARL Commission chairman.

He said there was still work to do with the ARL and NRL including implementing a cost structure, developing the stadium policy and increasing participation rates.

“I’m comfortable both jobs,’’ V’landys said. “A lot of people confuse my role as chairman with the CEO — but it is not a CEO role.

“The chairman helps to formulate policy and strategy, then the CEO and management implement it.

“My role isn’t as ‘heavy’ in rugby league as in racing.

“In my CEO position in racing, my chairman and board sets the policy and I implement the policy.”