The NRL grand final appears set to stay at Suncorp Stadium, for now, even as concerns grow over a COVID-19 outbreak in Brisbane.
Nine’s Danny Weidler reports that the NRL is monitoring the situation but remains confident the match will still go ahead in the Queensland capital.
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“Indications at this point GF won’t be moved to Townsville,” Weidler tweeted.
“Privately NRL not too concerned – but obviously can change if Qld Govt get further information and feel a lockdown is necessary.
“As they say – next 48 hours is important.”
https://twitter.com/Danny_Weidler/status/1442620594931974145?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Brisbane is on high alert after four local cases were detected, with most concern around a truck driver who was infectious in the community for around a week.
Queensland premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk, said at this stage she’s not considering a lockdown.
“We’ll be updating the community every single day,” she said.
“It’s very early stages at the moment, and it’s going to be really critical, if anyone has any symptoms, to go and get tested.”
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ARLC boss Peter V’landys has indicated Townsville will host the decider between Penrith and Souths if Brisbane is sent into lockdown.
“The grand final won’t stay at Suncorp if there is a lockdown, but at this stage there isn’t one, so we have to hope and pray there isn’t a lockdown,” he told News Corp.
https://twitter.com/CricketAus/status/1442645024882057216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
The COVID-19 scare has already forced the postponement of the Sheffield Shield match between Queensland and Tasmania, which was due to begin today at Ian Healy Oval in Brisbane.
It was originally rescheduled to tomorrow, but the Tasmanian team has now decided to fly home, meaning the match will have to be played later in the season.
Australia is also due to play India in a women’s Test on the Gold Coast, starting on Thursday.
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