NRL looks at treatment for injured players
THE NRL is considering guidelines on how clubs manage their injured stars during the coronavirus pandemic, with players not expected at training facilities.
The league is believed to be formulating a plan with the players association, with the clubs still facing a duty of care to help their players back to full fitness.
It came as a new hurdle was placed on club officials yesterday with most elective surgeries banned under new Queensland and NSW government regulations.
Newcastle hooker Jayden Brailey was believed to have been rushed under the knife yesterday, after suffering a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament on Sunday.
A knee reconstruction is considered a category three surgery, and will not be allowed from today in public or private hospitals in a bid to free up beds.
There is research to suggest surgery is not always needed for ruptured anterior cruciate ligaments, however almost all athletes opt for surgery. Brailey is believed to have narrowly beaten the deadline, helping his chances to be fit for next season.
The new rules also means teams will struggle to have players receive general cleanup surgery during the break.
Clubs were also considering how they could best help the more than 35 players already in rehabilitation across the league.
Full guidelines from the NRL are expected to be announced in the next few days.
Under the current government guidelines in NSW, physiotherapists can still operate and there is a chance they will still be able to complete face-to-face appointments with players.