Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) Chair Peter V’landys today welcomed Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk’s decision to allow rugby league to play and train in the state.
The decision, announced late this afternoon, means Queensland’s three NRL teams - the Brisbane Broncos, North Queensland Cowboys and Gold Coast Titans - will not be forced to relocate to NSW for the resumption of the NRL competition.
“This is a critical decision for rugby league and a win for the players, clubs, fans and the wider community,” Mr V’landys said.
“I can’t express enough our appreciation to the Queensland Government. I have great respect for the Premier and it is a tribute to her strong leadership that she has kept an open mind through this process.
“The Queensland government has done a great job containing the virus and we won’t let them down.”
Mr V’landys said he had provided the Premier his assurances that the players would adhere to the game’s stringent biosecurity protocols.
“We are implementing the toughest of health and safety protocols for our players and staff to protect their health, and that of the community,” he said.
“I have stressed the importance of this with our players and staff and they understand that for the future of our game, they will be expected to adhere to higher standards than the general public.
“We will not let the Premier, or Queensland, down.”
Mr V’landys said the players will undergo an educational training session on Monday to understand the biosecurity protocols and restrictions. Players will be asked to monitor their health daily, and stay at home unless at Club training or match day.
The NRL provided the Queensland Government with a 40-page biosecurity plan, which was compiled by one of Australia’s leading biosecurity experts, Associate Professor David Heslop.
