NRL to check players temperatures before each game and three times on game day

NRL to check players temperatures before each game and three times on game day
Viliame Kikau of the Penrith Panthers [image: NRL.com]

NRL players will have their temperatures taken before they can go on the field, and checked at least three times on game day, in a bid to stop any spread of coronavirus.

The NRL will implement a number of strict new biosecurity measures on the return to training next month, before the competition's planned resumption on May 28th.

Central to that will be the heatlh of its players, with ARL Commission chairman Peter V'landys insistent the game has been given official permission to resume next month from government authorities.

The NRL must ensure they have minimised any risk to players, with guidelines off the field that are well beyond the public health measures put in place by the government.

Players will be able to stay at home, with the bubble concept now likely off the table, but could be asked to move elsewhere if they are living in an area which is a virus hotspot.

They will also be asked to self-isolate in the same manner that was floated before the competition was suspended.

Rugby league's measures had already been discussed by the NRL after the opening two rounds, and would have come into place last month had the competition not been suspended. They have also been in constant contact with the NSW Premier's office, as well as the sports department throughout their suspension in a bid to plan their safe return. A meeting between the NRL and broadcasters this week will give a clearer recommendation on season structure, before Wayne Pearce's Apollo committee reconvene on Friday.

Pearce has already confirmed to AAP that a number of contingency plans will be put in place in case games are postponed due to a contamination.

But after watching Australia's curve begin to flatten, V'landys is increasingly confident that won't be an issue and any question marks over the return will be erased.

FNRL

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