Coaches in accord on training

NRL coaches remain committed to their decision not to begin a “mini-pre-season” until the Warriors are cleared to train as a group in Australia as the game nears crunch time.

ARL Commission chairman Peter V’landys has flagged a decision on the competition structure early next week, and the NRL is confident of resolving the broadcast agreement and government clearances within the coming days.

The Warriors are awaiting approval from the Australian and state governments as well as Border Force to be cleared to arrive in the country, needing an exemption to train as a group instead of a mandatory 14-day isolation for individuals.

Following strict biosecurity measures, an exemption would allow the Warriors to resume training in just seven days on May 4. NRL Coaches Association boss Kelly Egan confirmed coaches remained united in a decision to hold off training until all 16 clubs could resume.

“They certainly are (committed),” Egan said.

“There’s been lots of conversation, we’re all on the same page. Our competition needs the Warriors.”

Queensland and Victoria are also awaiting approval from their governments to resume training and potentially fly in and out of NSW for games on chartered planes.

Yesterday, Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said she had received detailed plans from two major sporting codes to resume playing, although she refused to identify the governing bodies.

In a sign of hope for the NRL, the premier appeared open to the proposals.

“I have received two. They have been forwarded to the chief health officer to get their advice,” she said.