Virus sparks an NRL fan ban

THE NRL is bracing for uncharted territory according to the game’s CEO, with the coronavirus pandemic forcing the game to make the decision to go behind closed doors indefinitely from Rd 2.

Todd Greenberg addressed the media in Townsville yesterday afternoon and defended the sport’s decision to play the opening weekend with fans in attendance, despite other sports either cancelling or banning spectators.

“We’re in unprecedented times, this is not something the game has experienced before,” Greenberg said.

“We’re listening very carefully to the dialogue of government, both federal and state, and also our health authorities.

“We continue to remind people if they want to come to the football this weekend if they feel symptoms of flu and coronavirus to stay home and stay away from those events.

“The health and safety of our fans and our players is paramount and it is the top of every decision we are making.”

Greenberg said the competition continuing without fans would have “significant financial impacts for all clubs” but he wanted them to continue to play as scheduled.

“We’ll be playing games without fans in attendance, that’s going to be difficult for us. We’ve never done that before,” he said.

“It’s not something people have experienced so we’re going to have to make sure we communicate the way.

“Those games will be played on television and we hope our fans tune in and watch them.

“I can’t put a time frame on it (when fans will be allowed to attend matches once more) and nor can government.

“I’ve just stepped out of a conference call with all 16 club CEOS. The message I gave them was again simple; we’re in this together.

“The game will be right behind our 16 clubs, we’ll leave no one behind.

“If there’s some financial difficulties for them we’ll make sure we keep them afloat and whole.”

With two Sharks players sent home yesterday with flulike symptoms, Greenberg said it was important all clubs got players tested who appeared to be under the weather.

“We’re going to do everything we can to protect our athletes from the disease,” he said. “If one of the players does get that (coronavirus) we’ll deal with it.”

Greenberg said the governing body was open to having bye rounds and changing the draw if the situation worsened.

“If we make some hard decisions now and we’re prepared to work really hard and keep the protection of the game strong, then we might get the benefit of that in a month or so’s time.

“Our hope is that Origin and all our other major events will go on without im

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