Players to be placed on standby for games

NRL clubs are preparing to have players originally overlooked for the top 20-man squad wait outside grounds – possibly on team buses – as cover for any player ruled out late on game day due to COVID-19 protocols.

As part of game day rules, every player will have his temperature taken at the ground’s entrance gates on arrival.

It comes after the NRL released a detailed 60-page document to clubs yesterday detailing game day protocols. The report stipulates: Players must pass a temperature check, which records a temperature of 37.2c or less;

Individuals recording a temperature of between 37.3c and 37.4c must be directed to a designated safe area where they are isolated for 15 minutes. If the result is replicated they will not be allowed in the stadium;

Ball must be cleaned every 10 minutes during the match by ball-persons;

All camera equipment is to be sanitised once installed at the venue; and

The match day coach shall remain in the match day coach’s box for the duration of the match.

Clubs fear some star players could be ruled out with flu-like symptoms only an hour before kick-off.

Clubs will be permitted to carry 20 players but officials say that may not allow them to carry additional players in specialist positions, primarily the spine.

The late withdrawal of players would require replacement players to be close to the ground for a swift transition into the side.

That could mean players 21-32 travel to the ground and wait outside until the team is cleared medically fit to play. This scenario may be even more difficult to overcome for interstate sides on the road.

“You have to think outside the square about what could happen,” Panthers medical coordinator Craig Catterick said.

“You will have to say to players hold tight, you’re on standby.”