Extreme heat forecast prompts NRL to delay kick-off times for World Club Challenge and trial matches

Concerns for player safety in forecast extreme heat conditions this weekend has prompted the NRL to push back the start of trial matches, including the World Club Challenge between Penrith Panthers and St Helens, by up to an hour.

With temperatures forecast to reach 38 degrees and above in Western Sydney and regional NSW on Saturday, the high-profile Charity Shield clash between St George Illawarra and South Sydney, scheduled for mid-afternoon kick-off in the western NSW town of Mudgee is of particular concern.

In a statement released on Tuesday evening, the NRL confirmed it would adjust the kick-off times after discussions with broadcasters, with the Charity Shield match to be moved from a 3.30pm kick-off to 4.20pm.

The statement advised “the decision was made due to player safety concerns around the forecasted heat and humidity in Regional NSW and Western Sydney.

“The NRL would like to thank broadcast partners FOX, SKY NZ and SKY UK as well as participating clubs (St George Illawarra Dragons, South Sydney Rabbitohs, Penrith Panthers, St Helens, Brisbane Broncos and North Queensland Cowboys) as well as venues for their cooperation and flexibility.”

Saturday night’s Queensland derby between the Brisbane Broncos and North Queensland Cowboys at Sunshine Coast Stadium will also start later - with a 35 minutes delay to kick off at 7.55pm.

The NRL earlier this week agreed to allow Penrith and St Helens to have a five-man bench and an extra two interchanges to combat the heat during their World Club Challenge match at Penrith’s BlueBet Stadium.

Image: Penrith’s BlueBet Stadium.