FAQ: NRL COVID-19 shutdown

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The NRL has released a range of answers to Frequently Asked Questions about the shut down of the Telstra Premiership.

Why has the NRL Telstra Premiership been suspended?

In response to revised medical advice and travel bans introduced by the Queensland and NZ governments, the NRL is unable to continue the competition. We have always said we would only continue for as long as it was safe to do so for our players, staff and the wider rugby league community. In this rapidly changing public health crisis, we could no longer ensure this was the case.

How long will the Premiership be suspended?

We cannot put a time frame on it at this stage. The NRL will continue to seek daily advice from medical experts before making decisions. As we know more about the unfolding public health situation and when we will be able to resume our matches, we will keep our fans updated.

What does this mean for the future of my club?

These are challenging times for all 16 clubs and the full impact of the suspended season is not yet known. This is the biggest financial crisis the game has ever faced. All Clubs, and the NRL, will introduce cost cutting programs. Sadly, this means staff across the Clubs and the NRL will take extended leave or be stood down for a period of time.

Will the players take pay cuts?

The NRL will work with the Rugby League Players Association (RLPA) through this process. Inevitably there will be financial implications not only for the NRL players, but for other employees at NRL Clubs and the NRL administration.

Can the players train while the competition is suspended?

We have informed the players not to turn up to Club training while we resolve this situation as best we can. They will also stop all other Club activities. The self isolation guidelines we have previously provided to them remain in place. Provided they comply with ongoing health advice, players can train individually. There will be significant uncertainty among the playing group and we will try and give them as much support as possible.

Will we be able to attend games in 2020?

The NRL will be basing any decisions around the resumption of the Premiership, and whether supporters can attend, on the latest advice from experts. We will continue to keep supporters informed of the latest developments.

Will the 2020 Premiership be played in a shortened format?

The NRL has examined multiple scenarios based on the evolving circumstances regarding the spread of COVID-19.  It is difficult to forecast when the 2020 season will resume and what a revised competition could look like.

What will happen with the 2020 State of Origin series?

The State of Origin is the jewel in the rugby league crown and we will do all that we can, within the changing environment, to deliver the series.

Where can we still get rugby league content?

The NRL is working with broadcasters (Channel Nine, Fox Sports and Sky Sports) around content while the competition is suspended. nrl.com will also be producing unique content while the competition is suspended. We understand that our supporters will still want to view Rugby League content and where possible we will help facilitate it. Player appearances in the media will still be encouraged through the self-isolation subject to precautions.

What will happen with my Telstra Live Pass or WatchNRL subscription?

For assistance with Telstra Live Pass, please contact NRL Live - Telstra CrowdSupport via https://crowdsupport.telstra.c...

For assistance with Watch NRL, the subscription-based international streaming service, you can submit this online form https://help.watchnrl.com/supp... or email the Watch NRL team at watchnrl@foxsports.com.au.

What is the latest update on ticketing, memberships and major events (Magic Round, Origin etc)?

As much as possible, the NRL aims to minimise the impact on fans and clubs. For now, we ask that members and fans, as the game's most loyal supporters, stay patient, ensure their contact details are correct and continue to support your clubs until further information is able to be communicated. Some clubs and ticketing providers have already provided information in relation to the more imminent matches that have now been postponed, so please check your inbox to see if these are related to you.

What happens to corporate hospitality bookings?

For fans who have purchased corporate hospitality packages for this year's major events such as Magic Round Brisbane, Holden State of Origin and the Telstra Premiership Grand Final, we will be in touch with information once there is more information around the scheduling of these events.

What happens with NRL Fantasy and Tipping competitions?

As the season is temporarily suspended, naturally so are the competitions dependent on the NRL Telstra Premiership. It remains the NRL's hope that a full competition can be played in 2020 and we will communicate any update once it is appropriate to do so.