Tonight’s top-of-the-table NRL blockbuster between Penrith and Melbourne is unlikely to go ahead due to a snap lockdown impacting Queensland.
11 Local Government Areas will enter a harsh lockdown until Tuesday night after six new cases of COVID-19 were detected in the community.
The Queensland Government is not expected to allow professional sport to go ahead in the impacted areas, meaning tonight’s double header at Suncorp Stadium is most likely off.
The 3pm game in Rockhampton between Souths and St George-Illawarra is likely to go ahead.
But the remaining four NRL games are all in the impacted area.
Postponing or cancelling matches would throw the NRL schedule into chaos. Numerous options would be on the table to ensure the competition resumes as soon as possible.
Making things difficult for the NRL is that players exited the bubble earlier this week have been free to mix in the public.
That means games going ahead without crowds is unlikely to be enough to convince the Queensland Government to provide an exemption.
MORE TO COME
Troy Dodds
Troy Dodds is the Weekender's Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia's leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.