It’s been a hectic 24 hours in the NRL, with the game forced to cancel then reschedule five round 20 matches.
On Saturday, the Queensland government announced a snap three-day lockdown in 11 local government areas after a COVID-19 outbreak in South East Queensland.
The government said no sport would take place in SEQ for the duration of the lockdown.
After a an afternoon of negotiation, the NRL and the Queensland government confirmed that Saturday’s games would be moved to Sunday, while the two matches scheduled for Sunday afternoon would be played on Monday.
Here’s everything you need to know about the NRL’s Round 20 games.
HAVE NRL GAMES BEEN CANCELLED?
For a few hours on Saturday, that was the case.
But after negotiations between Peter V’Landys, Andrew Abdo and the Queensland government, it was decided that Saturday and Sunday games would be played one day later than originally scheduled.
WHEN ARE NRL GAMES THIS WEEKEND?
All three games originally scheduled for Saturday, including last year’s grand final replay between Melbourne and Penrith, have been moved to Sunday.
The two Sunday games will now be played on Monday, August 2.
NRL DRAW AND SCHEDULE
Here is the updated NRL draw for Round 21.
Sunday, August 1:
1.50pm: Newcastle Knights v Canberra Raiders
4.05pm: Melbourne Storm v Penrith Panthers
6.25pm: St George Illawarra Dragons v South Sydney Rabbitohs
Monday, August 2:
6pm: Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs v Gold Coast Titans
8.05pm: Cronulla Sharks v Manly Sea Eagles
WHERE ARE NRL GAMES BEING PLAYED THIS WEEKEND?
All five of the remaining matches will be played at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.
ARE FANS ALLOWED AT NRL GAMES THIS WEEKEND?
No. No fans will be permitted to attend any of the remaining games in round 21.
The NRL has reverted to Level 4+ COVID protocols as part of an agreement with the Queensland Government to allow games to continue.
This means players will be restricted to their hotel rooms unless they’re playing or training, and they must wear masks whenever they’re in public.
Sadly, it also means no fans will be allowed to attend any matches. It’s a return to the same protocols that were in place when the NRL returned in May last year.
DO NRL RESULTS FROM ROUND 20 STILL STAND?
Yes, the results of the three games played before the government lockdown was introduced, still stand.
That means the Roosters, Warriors and Broncos all have two points.
Thursday, July 29
Roosters 28 v 0 Eels
Friday, July 20
Warriors 18 v 16 Tigers
Broncos 37 v 18 Cowboys
WHAT DID PETER V’LANDYS SAY?
Peter V’landys released a statement on Saturday night.
“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,’’ he said.
NRL GAMES ROUND 21 – DRAW, SCHEDULE AND LOCATION
Everything involving the NRL is subject to change at any given moment, but at this point (Sunday morning), next the schedule and draw for next week’s round 21 games are as follows.
As it stands, the NRL is planning to stage next weekend’s games as per the schedule.
Thursday, August 5
Knights v Broncos – 7:50pm at Sunshine Coast Stadium
Friday, August 6
Raiders v Dragons – 6pm at Cbus Super Stadium
Eels v Rabbitohs – 8:05pm at Cbus Super Stadium
Saturday, August 7
Warriors v Sharks – 3pm at Suncorp Stadium
Roosters v Panthers – 5:30pm at Suncorp Stadium
Sea Eagles v Storm – 7:35pm at Sunorp Stadium
Sunday, August 8
Bulldogs v Tigers – 2pm at Moreton Daily Stadium (Redcliffe)
Titans v Cowboys – 4:05pm at Cbus Super Stadium
The dates, times and locations of all of these matches are subject to change as per the details of the Queensland government’s lockdowns.
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