Latest COVID-19 Outbreak Could Force All 16 NRL Teams To Relocate To Queensland

NRL officials are holding crisis talks following the latest outbreak of COVID-19 on Australian shores - with the potential of completely relocating to Queensland.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, competition chiefs are considering moving all 16 teams into a virus-free zone in a bid to save the season.

The reports suggest NRL bosses are currently working on a contingency plan which involves reintroducing the idea of a safeguarded bubble away from the threat of coronavirus - with Queensland being the viable option on the table.

This news comes shortly after Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk declared that anyone who has visited the Campbelltown or Liverpool areas in south-west Sydney in the past two weeks will not be allowed into the state.

"I have written to the Queensland Premier today," Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V'landys said.

"We believe that bringing in harsh and strict biosecurity measures now will ensure that there'll be no risk going to and from Queensland, especially when we fly in and fly out.

"Moving the whole competition is a worst-case scenario, which we don't believe will happen. It would be easier bringing four Queensland-based teams to NSW then taking the rest to Queensland. Look, it's an option, there's no doubt about that, but we're not making any rash decisions. We will be patient and see how this pans out."

While V'landys confirmed that the NRL are considering an option for a drastic relocation, he insisted it doesn't think it'll be necessary in the long run.

"We're not moving to Queensland at this point but we've got to be prepared for all scenarios and naturally that's one scenario," he told AAP.

"At this stage we just want to make sure we can get to and from Queensland. We believe we can, even from those postcodes."

While no NRL games have been played at Campbelltown Stadium in the past fortnight, competition officials are hoping the Queensland government will provide exemptions to players that reside or have visited the virus hotspot.

If that exemption can't be assured, those players will be subject to the mandatory two-week quarantine period.

When Round 10 concludes this weekend, the NRL will have 10 rounds of the regular season left to play as well as the finals.

Topics: Coronavirus, Rugby League, nrl, Australia, Covid-19

Max Sherry

Max Sherry is a journalist for SPORTbible Australia. After migrating Down Under from London as a teenager, he instantly fell in love with Aussie sport and its culture. From NRL to AFL, cricket to rugby — you name it, Max watches it (with a beer in hand, of course). During his time at Fox Sports, he worked in the football department covering the Premier League, A-League, Socceroos and Matildas. Born a stone's throw away from West Ham's training ground, Max is obviously a die-hard Liverpool fan.

@maxysherry