NRL sidesteps Greater Brisbane lockdown with five games in two days at Suncorp Stadium

Hit by South East Queensland’s snap three-day lockdown that saw the cancellation of competition matches yesterday, the NRL will finish round 20 of its competition with five game at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium over the next two days.

Having relocated its teams to Queensland to avoid border restrictions stopping teams from travelling for games, the NRL, along with the AFL, was hit by the lockdown announced by Queensland Health yesterday morning with the cancellation of matches scheduled for Saturday.

However, these games will now be played today, while the final two games of the round will be held on Monday night.

All games will be staged, without fans, at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium.

Announcing that the competition would continue after the NRL was able to reach an agreement with the Queensland Government, Australian Rugby League Commission Chairman, Peter V'landys stated "I want to personally thank Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, state government officials, and in particular, Dr Jeannette Young for allowing us to present the most stringent biosecurity protocols which when implemented will ensure there is minimal to no risk in allowing our matches to be played with no crowds.”

Dr Young previously warned she was getting close to revoking exemptions for the NRL after a number of COVID-bubble breaches by players following the relocation of the competition to the sunshine state.

However, V’landys told News Corp “there is no threat to the competition.

“I am confident the game is not under threat and I am confident the games will continue.”

The NRL plans to make no changes this week’s round 21 meaning clubs playing on Sunday and Monday will have deal with one less day to prepare.

Rescheduled NRL Round 20 fixtures at Suncorp Stadium
Sunday:
1:50pm: Newcastle Knights vs Canberra Raiders
4:05pm: Melbourne Storm vs Penrith Panthers
6:25pm: St George Illawarra Dragons vs South Sydney Rabbitohs

Monday:
6:00pm: Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs vs Gold Coast Titans
8:05pm: Cronulla Sutherland Sharks vs Manly Sea Eagles.

Image: Suncorp Stadium. Credit: ASM Global.