The Titans and Cowboys have been rushed into New South Wales on Wednesday as the NRL moves to avoid Queensland over the state’s COVID-19 outbreak.
Sydney’s Jubilee Stadium will now host an Easter Saturday double-header featuring the Cronulla Sharks’ ‘home’ game against North Queensland before Gold Coast clash with the Canberra Raiders.
The Sharks-Cowboys game was originally due to be played on the Sunshine Coast, while Titans-Raiders was the the first of two home games in two weeks for Gold Coast.
However, the Titans had been told to prepare to leave Queensland given the number of coronavirus cases linked to their region.
“The Titans will relocate to Sydney this afternoon and remain in Sydney until the NRL’s health experts are comfortable the risk of infection on the Gold Coast has subsided,” the NRL said on Wednesday.
The Cowboys have been moved to Sydney to play this weekend’s adjusted fixture against Cronulla but will return to Townsville and remain based at home.
Regardless, Queensland rugby league fans are set to lose out.
The Titans’ home game against the Knights in round five is up in the air, and there are no guarantees that the Broncos will be able to host scheduled their next home game on April 15.
They are also due to host a grudge match against the Titans and former star David Fifita on April 30.
“Our priority is ensuring all matches proceed this weekend. While the infection rates in south-east Queensland are positive today, the risk of further outbreaks emerging between now and Saturday exists,’’ NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo said.
“By confirming the relocation of games today all clubs, players and fans have certainty to plan for the weekend’s fixtures and as a game we eliminate the risk around whether those matches will take place.
“I want to thank all clubs who are making sacrifices for the greater good of our game. These are difficult decisions to make but decisions that ensure our competition continues this weekend without interruption.
“I also want to acknowledge our fans. I know fans on the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast were looking forward to going to these games.
“We were particularly excited to be taking a game to the Sunshine Coast. However, our priority must be ensuring we can complete round four without risk of losing matches.”
The NRL’s drastic measures follow confirmation that the Broncos would be allowed to enter Victoria for their Good Friday clash with the Melbourne Storm.
The Storm’s home game was under threat but the Victorian government granted travel exemptions after the Broncos left Queensland before Brisbane’s three-day lockdown.
There were concerns Friday night’s game would have to be relocated due to restrictions on travellers into Victoria from declared hotspots.
“Thankfully, the NRL have worked through the protocols required to ensure the Broncos can secure an exemption and the game can proceed,” Storm chief executive Justin Rodski said.
AAMI Park will also continue to operate at 75 per cent capacity for the match.
Broncos coach Kevin Walters said preparations had not been overly disrupted by their relocation, with the team allowed to train and undertake gym sessions.
However, when players and staff are not completing those activities they are restricted to their hotel rooms.
The Broncos are preparing themselves for a potentially long stay on the road, receiving from the NRL not to expect a swift return.
“They told us, be prepared, pack for two weeks,” Walters told SEN.
“That hasn’t changed, it’s probably looking a little bit longer at this stage with what’s going on in Brisbane at the moment with COVID.
“The good thing is the game will go ahead and that’s the most important thing for our players and also for the rugby league community, is the game continues, and we’re doing everything we can to play our part in that.”
– with AAP