NRL READY TO RETURN

League’s restructured 2020 season to kick off in May

THE NRL has locked in a 20round restructure of this year’s rugby league competition after finalising negotiations with broadcasters.

The rejigged draw includes the two rounds already completed, meaning an additional 18 will be played should the season return as planned on

May 28. A breakdown of those 18 rounds has yet to be provided, nor any detail on where the games will be played.

It is the shortest regular season since 1966, not including the Super League year.

The grand final is scheduled for October 25, with the lucrative State of Origin series to be held in the weeks following.

Where the grand final will be staged is also unclear, with Australia scheduled to play its first T20 World Cup match at the SCG the Saturday before the decider.

With ANZ Stadium due to begin its reconstruction in June, the 30,000-capacity Bankwest Stadium is all but certain to be the next option for league officials.

The NRL’s innovation committee will look to put the finishing touches on the new-look season when it meets today.

The final hurdle is likely to be with Federal Government authorities, with a cabinet meeting set to discuss a return to elite and community sport on Friday.

All competition points earned before the season was suspended by the coronavirus pandemic will remain.

The development comes after over a week of high-powered talks with Nine Network boss Hugh Marks and Foxtel counterpart Patrick Delany.

“Today is a landmark day for rugby league in 2020,” ARL Commission chairman Peter V’landys said last night.

“This is a great outcome for our players, fans, partners and stakeholders.”

It is unclear how much revenue the new schedule will generate.

All 16 clubs have been told to prepare for a return to squad training on Monday, giving teams three weeks to train before the season resumes.

“It’s safer now to play then it was in round two when we were playing,” V’landys said.