Standby players to wait on buses

NRL clubs are preparing to have players overlooked for the 20-man squad wait outside the match venue — possibly on team buses — as cover for players ruled out late on game day, due to COVID-19 protocols.

As part of strict NRL gameday rules, every player will have his temperature taken at the ground’s entrance gates on arrival. The NRL released a 60-page document to clubs yesterday, detailing game day protocols.

The report stipulates: PLAYERS must record a temperature of 37.2C or lower. THOSE recording between 37.3C and 37.4C must be directed to a designated safe area where they are isolated for 15 minutes. If the result is replicated they will not be allowed in the stadium;

THE ball must be cleaned every 10 minutes during the match;

ALL camera equipment is to be sanitised once installed at the venue. It is preferable for production equipment to remain in a venue if possible;

THE match-day coach shall remain in the coach’s box.

Clubs fear some star players could be ruled out with flu-like symptoms only an hour before kick-off. Clubs will be permitted to carry 20 players but officials say that may not allow them to carry additional players in specialist positions.

The late withdrawal of players would require replacements to be close to the ground for a swift transition into the side.

That could mean players 21-32 travel to the ground and wait outside until the team is cleared medically fit to play.

Clubs admit those additional players cannot be far from the ground if a player is ruled out 90 minutes to two hours before kick-off. Some may wait on the team bus.

Players would not have time to travel from Cronulla or Bondi to Bankwest Stadium in an hour, Manly to Central Coast or Wollongong to Campbelltown.

“You have to think outside the square about what could possibly happen,” Panthers medical co-ordinator Craig Catterick said.

“You will have to say to players hold tight, you’re on standby. You could have two players with flu-like symptoms. The make-up of your team could change at the gate’s entrance.