‘Our community needs to work through this as a team’
THE Bulldogs have been benched alongside the other 15 teams with the coronavirus pandemic causing the suspension of the NRL competition.
The decision came after the last round was played without a crowd – the Bulldogs going down to the Cowboys 24-16.
ARLC chairman Peter V’landys said the advice from pandemic and biosecurity experts was that because of the outbreak, it was no longer safe for players to play.
He said said it was a devastating day for rugby league, but in light of the dramatic shift in advice and restrictions, it was the only possible outcome.
“This is a dark day in our game’s history,” Mr V’landys said. “But we had to take this unprecedented action as there was simply no other option.
“We have always said we would continue but only as long it was safe to do so.
“When the advice tells us, we can no longer guarantee player safety because of the rapid rate at which infection is spreading, we must act accordingly. We will monitor the advice daily and recommence when it is simply safe and prudent to do so.”
NRL CEO Todd Greenberg said the challenge to the game’s future was enormous but rugby league would endure the challenge, no matter it’s length or severity.
“Our game has never faced a challenge like this. So, while this is a tough day for our game, we know it is a tough time for everyone across the entire community,” Greenberg said.
“So, while we cannot say with certainty what the future holds, I know the rugby league community as a whole will work through this as a team.”
