Bennett hails push to play on

WAYNE Bennett has applauded the NRL’s decision to push on with the season in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic that has gripped the nation.

Canterbury and North Queensland kick off round two of the campaign on Thursday night with no fans in attendance at an empty ANZ Stadium with games being played behind closed doors.

Bennett (pictured), whose South Sydney face Brisbane tonight, is thrilled the game will continue to be played while other competitions at home and abroad have been suspended.

His comments came as the ARL Commission met yesterday to further discuss the ramifications COVID-19 is having on rugby league.

That could include postponing the State of Origin series, as well as the NRL finals, as far back into the calendar year as possible.

“I’m elated the game’s going ahead,” Bennett said. “It’s nice to see the unity. I think the chairman’s doing a great job with it. (NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg has) been up front with it.

“I think Clint Newton’s been great with the players’ association. The CEOs have been wonderful. We’re all on the same page. We want to play rugby league and want to play this weekend.”

Bennett reminded people how often the league was often warring with itself.

“We’ve got a great history of that,” he said. “That’s why they think it’s a great game, because we can fracture it so often and put it all together again. This time there is unison with everybody and I’m pleased to be a part of that.”