Phoenix keen to resume

The Wellington Phoenix say they’re committed to quarantining in Australia with a full-strength squad if the A-League gets under way.

General manager David Dome was buoyed by Thursday’s long-awaited agreement between the FFA, the A-League clubs and the PFA for the competition to resume in a hub in mid-July. However, the proposed month-long finish to the season still needs sign-off from broadcaster Fox Sports.

Dome said 23 players and 10 staff would cross the Tasman including two star imports – Mexican playmaker Ulises Davila and English striker Gary Hooper — who were both presently overseas.

He hoped it won’t be problematic getting the pair to Australia. ‘‘Both players have signalled their desire to come back and rejoin the group which we’re really pleased with,’’ Dome told NZME. ‘‘There’s a whole lot of uncertainty which makes it more difficult than it otherwise would be, including when we can get them back, getting them work visas for Australia and the issues around remuneration.

‘‘Hopefully [the detail] will be worked out in the next week or so.’’

Dome said the players all committed to finishing the season and following the footsteps of NRL’s Warriors, although for a significantly shorter period in Australia. He will be watching negotiations with Fox Sports closely, with the broadcaster reportedly seeking a reduced deal for the next three seasons.

Thursday’s deal with the players also rubber-stamped plans to bring all teams into the greater Sydney region to play the remaining games in venues behind closed doors.

The two venues will be Netstrata Jubilee Stadium in Kogarah and WIN Stadium in Wollongong.