UP & RUNNING DOWN UNDER
ENGLAND internationals James Graham, Tom Burgess and George Williams resume training today as Australia’s NRL kick-starts its returnto-play plan.
The trio are among seven Englishmen who will be back on the field months before their Super League counterparts as the competition Down Under implements its bold plan.
All 16 clubs have set up isolation camps, including New Zealand Warriors, who were given special permission to fly in while strict border controls continue.
ARLC chairman Peter V’landys said: “It’s a great day for rugby league to see our squads assembling for the first time since the competition was suspended.”
“I’m grateful to clubs and players for the commitment they’ve shown to ensure the competition resumes on May 28.”
After two days of information about how the next three weeks will work, the teams will today return to the training field to prepare for behindclosed-doors matches.
Each club has a dedicated Covid-19 liaison officer and coordinator to oversee a host of protocols, which include initially training in groups of 10.
There are currently no tackling or wrestling drillings taking place, only ball work and conditioning, with full contact training expected to return next week amid regular player tests.
The NRL has made flu shots compulsory to minimise the spread, although that made headlines with Gold Coast’s outspoken anti-vaccine forward Bryce Cartwright reportedly refusing.
The NRL was desperate to get back out on the field because of a bumper TV deal that funds the competition.
Social restrictions around the country have started to be lifted, with Australia recording fewer than 100 total Covid19 deaths as of yesterday.
V’landys added: “It is safer to play now than when the competition was suspended in round two.
“The infection rate has dropped below one per cent and recovery rate is now over 85 per cent.
“We’ve been very transparent with our biosecurity protocols to provide governments with the confidence to allow training to resume.”
It’s great to see squads assembling