NRL ’definitely’ a go on May 28

The NRL will return to action on May 28 but plans for the Warriors to get to Australia are yet to be finalised.

Australian Rugby League commissioner Wayne Pearce, who has been heading up the Project Apollo innovations committee planning the NRL’s return, yesterday confirmed the May 28 date was locked in .

Previous concerns have been raised over the Warriors getting across the Tasman due to border restrictions and quarantine requirements.

Pearce confirmed the NRL has the green light from the government to restart with teams set to begin training on May 4 to prepare for the return but could not confirm details around the Warriors arrival in Australia.

"We are working with the government authorities to get them over here and get them through a quarantine period and have them ready with the other teams for the start of the competition,’’ Pearce said. ‘‘We’re working through all those details, we haven’t finalised that yet."

Meanwhile, ARL Commission chairman Peter V’landys claims players will be at less risk of contracting the coronavirus while playing NRL than if they are sidelined.

The game’s new biosecurity measures were presented to the commission on Tuesday, ahead of consultation with the clubs and players.

Several biosecurity measures have already been flagged, including blood testing players, temperature checks and the logging of family members’ movements.

The league did not detail its measures but V’landys insisted they would become the ‘‘benchmark’’ for all sports aiming to return amid the coronavirus crisis.

‘‘They are very comprehensive and I reckon will be the benchmark for other sports,’’ V’landys said.

‘‘It’s been compiled using all different experts.

‘‘Troy Grant and Wayne Pearce have done a fantastic job and I think anyone who sees them will realise the risk is minimal.

‘‘There will be minimal risk to the players and the community.

‘‘And they would probably be at more of a risk if they didn’t play than if they did play.’’

Stand-in chief executive Andrew Abdo will remain part of those meetings, as the game pressed on without departed CEO Todd Greenberg.

Health measures were at front and centre of a Project Apollo meeting yesterday, before were taken to government.

The competition’s eventual structure won’t be a focus though, as broadcaster talks remain ongoing about their preferences.