Doors closed to fans
THE NRL will provide a fighting fund in excess of $10 million to help clubs after chief executive Todd Greenberg confirmed fans would be locked out indefinitely following the global coronavirus crisis.
Greenberg said rugby league fans would be able to attend the NRL’s Round 1 fixtures this weekend but, from Round 2, the doors would close on supporters for the first time in 112 years.
The NRL’s stance came after Prime Minister Scott Morrison addressed the COVID-19 threat, urging the public to avoid non-essential gatherings of more than 500 people.
That figure sounded alarm bells for NRL officialdom, prompting Greenberg to back an indefinite ban on fans attending matches until the code is given the green light from medical experts.
The move to restrict access at venues to players, referees, coaches and media only will rock the code.
Clubs will haemorrhage from $500,000 to $1 million for empty seats at home games, with Greenberg admitting he had no idea how long supporters would be locked out.
“We are in unprecedented times,” he said.
“I can’t put a time frame on it and nor can the government.
“The timing of this (fan lockout) will be directed by the government authorities and we will listen carefully and take their advice on the way through.
“When we get into the second week of competition, our games will continue to proceed as planned, albeit our stadiums will be closed to fans.
“The most important message I can give is the health and safety of our players and fans is paramount.
“It will be disappointing that fans can’t watch their teams. We want fans to be interacting with their teams. Hopefully it’s for a finite period of time, but I don’t know what the time frame is, I don’t know that answer.”
Greenberg is confident State of Origin, which starts in June, will not be affected.