BACK IN THE SADDLE
Push for stadium to host NRL relaunch -
NORTH Queensland hope they will be back in the dressing rooms of Queensland Country Bank Stadium in a matter of weeks.
Cowboys director of football Peter Parr said the club would push to host the first game of the resumed 2020 NRL season at Townsville’s jewel after the return was given the green light by the Queensland Government.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk backed the Project Apollo program following yesterday’s national cabinet meeting and declared the Sunshine State’s borders will open for NRL travel.
Queensland Government authorities informed ARL Commission chairman Peter V’landys of the Premier’s decision yesterday afternoon.
It was music to the ears of the Cowboys, who will be allowed to resume training at their Kirwan base as of next week and will not be forced to relocate to Sydney’s Olympic Park ahead of the season’s resumption on May 28.
Parr admitted the club and players were always open to relocating to NSW, but preferred the option of remaining in the comfort of their home facilities.
“We are delighted to have the opportunity to remain in Townsville, it was always our preferred option,” he said.
“I think it has been an uncertain time for everyone, we are no different. It has been a little bit uncomfortable not knowing where we were going to be … But we have that clarity now and people will be staying at home with their families.”
With the Premier pushing for a home-and-away scheduling for the remaining 18 rounds of the reduced NRL season, it would see games returning to the $290 million stadium, albeit without fans in the stands.
Parr wants to see that happen as soon as possible.
The Cowboys opened the state-of-the-art facility on March 13 with a blockbuster clash against arch rivals Brisbane Broncos.
“It would be nice to play in the stadium again,” Parr said.
“Putting matches on and scheduling is often difficult for the NRL, but it would be terrific if we could get a home game first up.”
The Cowboys request has only been given more weight by the demands of Palaszczuk.
“First round games will be played in Queensland and of course I put in a bid for a local grand final, and we all look forward to hosting the State of Origin,” the Premier said.
There is one major caveat with the Premier’s decision – if the NRL suffers another breach of COVID-19 guidelines, the Queensland Government will slam the door on the game.
The Premier said she, in conjunction with Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young, would approve Project Apollo but wanted assurances the NRL could police strict home quarantine arrangements for players.
“We love our game – but not at the risk of spreading COVID-19,” Palaszczuk said.
“The Chief Health Officer says the NRL plan is workable but we will need those assurances.”
V’landys praised Pal
aszczuk’s support after she was satisfied with the NRL’S 40-page biosecurity proposal.
“We won’t let the Queensland Premier down,” he said.
“I can’t express enough our appreciation to the Queensland Government.
“I have great respect for the Premier and it is a tribute to her strong leadership that she has kept an open mind through this process.
“The Queensland Government has done a great job containing the virus and we are now well on track for a May 28 kick-off.”
Palaszczuk, however, will not allow the NRL to be complacent on player behaviour.
V’landys assured the Queensland Government the NRL will not tolerate another slip-up.
“It won’t happen again,” he said. “The players will be given our full biosecurity plan in the coming days and with the education they will be given, I have faith in them to follow the rules.”
Parr said the Cowboys were yet to read the Riot Act to its playing group following a recent bungle from players down south.
But he said it would come as part of an educational day when the team rocked back up to Cowboys HQ for their first day on Monday.
It is expected they will return to the training paddock soon after that education day.
“Monday will be about reconnecting with the group and making sure they know exactly what is going on and that they adhere to the protocols in place,” Parr said.
“We will certainly be having those discussions (about strict measures).
“They are well aware of their responsibilities and the situation the game is in. They have a responsibility to do the right thing and make sure the competition is up and running.
“Hopefully today is the first day of getting some normality back into our lives.”