NRL clubs to receive up to $7 million in funding in COVID-19 Relief Package

The NRL will distribute a total of $7 million in COVID-19 relief finance to clubs to make up for lost revenue through game relocations and the resultant lack of home ground income.

With the NRL’s season impacted by lockdowns, loss of ground income and relocations, each club will be paid around $100,000 for every home game lost either to relocation or to matches being played without crowds.

In Sydney, the NRL last played in front of fans in late June, while Queensland clubs were impacted by the loss of almost two weekends without spectators.

As a result, the end of the 2021 season has seen the NRL incur an additional $30 million in expenses as well as another $30 million in lost revenue due to relocations.

NRL Chief Executive, Andrew Abdo explained “the game has fought hard this year to keep going amidst the challenges of the pandemic

"Both the NRL and clubs have been hurt significantly by not being able to have crowds and (having to relocate) the competition to Queensland.

"The NRL has had growth in commercial revenues and has also reduced costs significantly.

"Therefore, the commission approved some further financial support for the clubs arising from the impact of COVID-19 on the (sport's) financial ecosystem, particularly for clubs (that) have had to relocate and not play in front of their home crowds."

Relocations are continuing to impact the League through its finals series, with an estimated $1.5 million lost from Saturday's Penrith-Parramatta clash.

That match would have been expected to sell out 30,000 seats at Western Sydney Stadium or draw close to 50,000 at Sydney’s Stadium Australia, but it will now have just 12,000 fans in Mackay.

South Sydney Rabbitoh's home final - against either the Sydney Roosters or the Manly Sea Eagles - next week faces a similar scenario.

Merchandise and leagues clubs spending will also be down for the teams that make the grand final and the team that eventually wins the premiership.

The NRL also confirmed on Thursday that its Dally M awards would be held over two nights for the first time.

Abdo says the new format allows some players and guests in Brisbane to experience the gala evening in person while Fox Sports will broadcast the event for players and officials who have returned home.

Image: Melbourne Storm take on the North Queensland Cowboys at Sunshine Coast Stadium.