‘LET’S SAVE THE COMP’
Titans mentor backs bold NRL plans to deliver footy paradise
TITANS coach Justin Holbrook says the National Rugby League should seriously consider playing four rounds in isolation in Queensland to help save the season. The NRL is considering basing the competition in a central location and isolated from the public. “You’re not going to please everybody, but if ... we can get something like that going we can make a positive impact around the world with our sport,” Holbrook says.
THE push to relocate the entire NRL to idyllic Queensland has gained momentum after Gold Coast coach Justin Holbrook urged the game to fasttrack the season resumption in the Sunshine State.
“If we can keep the NRL to no positive (virus) results then we can get back quicker,” he said.
THE push to relocate the entire NRL to Queensland has gained momentum after Gold Coast coach Justin Holbrook urged the game to fast-track the season resumption in the Sunshine State.
The NRL has created a committee called Operation Bubble, or Project Apollo, to investigate how the season can recommence following the indefinite suspension of the 2020 premiership last week due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Among the options has been basing the entire competition, more than 500 players and staff, in a central location and isolated from the public.
The NRL has received proposals from facilities in Calliope, near Gladstone, and Tangalooma on Moreton Island. The Queensland Government is prepared to offer the code an exemption to cross the state border without having to serve 14-day quarantine protocols. In his first season as an NRL head coach, Holbrook said the league should seriously consider playing four rounds in Queensland.
“If we can keep the NRL to no positive results then we can get back quicker,” he said.
“Now everyone is on their own. Is everyone self-isolating? Hopefully, but you’ve got to go and get groceries and mix with people. If we are somewhere as a team then all of those things can be looked after.
“I think it’s worthwhile doing to keep our game going.
“You’re not going to please everybody, but if we’ve got 16 fit rosters and can get something like that going then we can make a positive impact around the world with our sport.
“People might question ‘why is that sport playing and others aren’t?’. But if we’re in a position to then it’s worthwhile.
“In four weeks, if we think we’ve flattened the curve, then maybe we can shoot off and play four rounds then come back. We could get a head start.”
The one-location competition would require those involved to make sacrifices by leaving their families and remaining locked in camp. But Queensland coach Kevin Walters said the NRL had to do everything it could to get the season back under way.
“It sends a strong message to the rest of the world. Look at us Australians and what we can do, in a safe environment of course,” he said.
“Tangalooma would make sense. It’s a great idea as far as isolation goes. We’re all crying out for something to do and watch. If the NRL can pull it off, it’d be an amazing story.”