NRL seals ‘landmark’ 20-round campaign

THE NRL Telstra Premiership will recommence as a 20round competition on May 28 with the Grand Final to be played on October 25.

Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V’landys confirmed yesterday the details after extensive consultation with broadcast partners, clubs, and key stakeholders.

The first two rounds of the competition will be counted and the current competition ladder remains in place when games resume.

The competition draw will be determined in the next two weeks, including the timing of State of Origin, which will be conducted after the Grand Final.

V’landys thanked Nine CEO Hugh Marks and Foxtel CEO Patrick Delany for backing the return of rugby league.

“(This) is a landmark day for rugby league in 2020,” V’landys said.

“This is a great outcome for our players, fans, partners and stakeholders and I’m extremely appreciative for the co-operation and support from Hugh Marks and Patrick Delany. Both have always acted in good spirit and have demonstrated how partners work together.”

Training will recommence for all clubs on May 4 and stringent biosecurity measures, known as Project Apollo Protocols, will be introduced for players, club officials and staff.

The New Zealand Warriors are expected to arrive in Australia on Sunday and it is anticipated they will serve 14days quarantine in Tamworth.

The NRL is continuing to work with federal and state governments on player travel and border permissions.

V’landys said it was clearly safer to play now than when the competition proceeded in Round 2.

The NRL’S working group, Project Apollo, will meet today to continue preparations to resume the season.