Ash cloud creates NRL and NYC havoc

The recent volcanic eruptions in Chile have, strangely, hampered the travel plans of a number of NRL clubs and match officials.

Tonight's NYC/Toyota Cup match between the Melbourne Storm and Sydney Roosters has been postponed to a later date due to the ash cloud that has formed over lower parts of Australia and all of New Zealand, as the Roosters' Under 20's side is unable to fly into Melbourne under the current conditions.

The NRL fixture will go ahead at 7:00pm as scheduled - while the Roosters and Storm first grade sides are already in Melbourne, match officials will be forced to fly to Albury today before driving to Melbourne's AAMI Park for the fixture.

Elsewhere, the Wests Tigers, NRL and NYC match officials, as well as the Channel 9 commentary team of Phil Gould, Andrew Voss and Andrew Johns are all stuck at Auckland International Airport, where flights have been grounded indefinitely due to the eruption and resultant ash cloud.