Latest News

Back to Latest News back

 

NRL sidesteps Greater Brisbane lockdown with five games in two days at Suncorp Stadium

NRL sidesteps Greater Brisbane lockdown with five games in two days at Suncorp Stadium
August 1, 2021

Hit by South East Queensland’s snap three-day lockdown that saw the cancellation of competition matches yesterday, the NRL will finish round 20 of its competition with five game at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium over the next two days.

Having relocated its teams to Queensland to avoid border restrictions stopping teams from travelling for games, the NRL, along with the AFL, was hit by the lockdown announced by Queensland Health yesterday morning with the cancellation of matches scheduled for Saturday.

However, these games will now be played today, while the final two games of the round will be held on Monday night.

All games will be staged, without fans, at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium.

Announcing that the competition would continue after the NRL was able to reach an agreement with the Queensland Government, Australian Rugby League Commission Chairman, Peter V'landys stated "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.”

Dr Young previously warned she was getting close to revoking exemptions for the NRL after a number of COVID-bubble breaches by players following the relocation of the competition to the sunshine state.

However, V’landys told News Corp “there is no threat to the competition.

“I am confident the game is not under threat and I am confident the games will continue.”

The NRL plans to make no changes this week’s round 21 meaning clubs playing on Sunday and Monday will have deal with one less day to prepare.

Rescheduled NRL Round 20 fixtures at Suncorp Stadium
Sunday:

1:50pm: Newcastle Knights vs Canberra Raiders
4:05pm: Melbourne Storm vs Penrith Panthers
6:25pm: St George Illawarra Dragons vs South Sydney Rabbitohs

Monday:
6:00pm: Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs vs Gold Coast Titans
8:05pm: Cronulla Sutherland Sharks vs Manly Sea Eagles.

Image: Suncorp Stadium. Credit: ASM Global.

About the author

Nigel Benton

Co-founder/Publisher, Australasian Leisure Management

Born in the English county of Dorset, Nigel Benton is the co-founder and Publisher of Australasian Leisure Management, Australia, New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific’s only magazine for professionals in all areas of the leisure industry and the www.ausleisure.com.au website - the go to news resource for industry leaders and professionals.

With a long-term commitment to communicating all that is best about the leisure industry (aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues) his career has been defined by an ability to develop and implement industry communications.

Starting his career working in heritage visitor attractions and then adventure travel in Africa and the Middle East, an interest in writing about his experiences led to his change of career into magazine journalism and publishing.

In addition to publishing, Nigel speaks on marketing communications at a range of industry events.

He was made a Life Member of the World Leisure and Recreation Association in 2006 and is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (London).

In 2020, he launched the new Asian Leisure Business website.

As of October 2024, he was inducted into the Australian Fitness Awards Roll of Honour at the 2024 AUSactive National Awards.

Among a range of published works and features, his comments on a Blog (blogspot) from 2007 to 2011, when this website went live in its current form, may be interesting to reflect back on.

His philosophy on life is to be kind to all and to indulge those that you love.

His passions include family, Newcastle United and motorcycles (especially British ones) as well, until February 2025 when she left us, caring a little pug named Stella.

Click here to connect with him via LinkedIn.

Read more from this author

Related Articles

31st July 2021 - AFL and NRL fixtures cancelled as snap lockdown introduced in South East Queensland

30th July 2021 - Australia’s lockdowns to end once 80% of the population is vaccinated against COVID-19

29th July 2021 - Ongoing Coronavirus challenges sees NRL delay plans for 17th team

28th July 2021 - Stadiums Queensland announces three new board members


Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.

 

supplier directory

The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services.

See the directory see all

Links Modular Solutions

Links Modular Solutions was a leading provider of high-quality, innovative software solutions for aquatic and recreation facilities. Links Modular Solutions is now part of Xplor Technologies.

read more

Access / Billing / Finance / Fitness / Technology

 
 

Quayclean

Quayclean are a national cleaning and waste services partner with proven results in the understanding and delivery of cleaning needs and challenges faced by facilities including; major venues and…

read more

Aquatics / Hospitality / Surfaces / Venues

 
 

Ausfit

Ausfit began in 1992, providing software services to the health and fitness sector including ClubWise, a fully hosted web-based product which combines state of the art club management software,…

read more

Billing / Finance / Fitness / Technology

 
 

Again Faster

ABOUT Again Faster is a Brisbane based, Australian owned supplier of strength and conditioning and functional fitness equipment. With nearly 10 years experience in the Australian market, we are…

read more

Fitness / Recreation

 
 

Debitsuccess

Debitsuccess is now part of Xplor Technologies.

read more

Billing / Finance / Fitness / Golf / Recreation

 
 

Summit Fitness

Summit Fitness Equipment is now part of NovoFit - see www.ausleisure.com.au/suppliers/novofit/

read more

Fitness / Recreation / Technology / Wellness

 
 

VITEC

Stadiums and venues around the world recognise that success hinges on more than just what happens on the pitch. More than ever, fan engagement within each facility is a critical part of the overall…

read more

Entertainment / Sport / Technology / Venues

 
 

ProSlide Technology

ProSlide is the global leader in water ride design and manufacturing, supplying high-performance water attractions to new and expanding water parks around the world. For over three decades, ProSlide…

read more

Aquatics / Play / Waterparks

 
 
 
 

get listed with our suppliers directory

Get your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week!

list your business