Corona impact on NRL...?

[happy_tiger]

Anyone able to copy and paste this article about Joey Ratu? https://t.co/boaD6MKvFT




TIGERS
NRL hopefuls excited by proposal for second-tier trial matches
Matt Logue, The Daily Telegraph
May 5, 202

The introduction of second-tier trial matches this season would be life-changing for fringe Wests Tigers prop Joseph Ratuvakacereivalu.

Prior to the NRL’s shutdown, Ratuvakacereivalu was in contention for a top 30 position at the Tigers after impressing at the Nines tournament in Perth.

Then the coronavirus hit, forcing him out of the NRL squad and onto jobkeeper payments while working as a labourer.

Ratuvakacereivalu has mentally struggled since and is living in limbo after the Canterbury Cup competition was cancelled for 2020. So he would welcome a proposed second-tier trial match initiative.

As revealed in The Daily Telegraph, NRL rivals like the Roosters and South Sydney could merge under a proposal to play fortnightly trial matches to give players outside the top 17 at each club regular match conditioning.

Coaches would pick their 21-man squads each Tuesday for that weekend’s games then, players who miss out would be placed in a pool for the trial games.

The idea was tossed around at a recent NRL coaches’ association meeting and will be discussed in further detail at the next meeting of Project Apollo on Friday.

“I think that idea is so good for all the Cup boys,” said Ratuvakacereivalu, who has played 35 Canterbury Cup games for the Wests Magpies since 2018.

“Everyone is still wondering what the go is. We don’t even know if we can play Ron Massey Cup, so it would help if we could play some football.

“It would be fun, give us a chance for some game fitness and give the boys a chance to show off to the NRL coaches and prove ourselves for a top 30 spot.

“I was so close to making the NRL team, so that is what hurts the most.

“You want to take every opportunity you get to impress the coach, but there is not much I can do with the season off.”

Ratuvakacereivalu is one of hundreds of second-tier players who are currently on the rugby league scrapheap.

He has been working eight hours a day shifting metal on a job site while training in the afternoons when he gets home.

Unlike NRL players who will resume their competition on May 28, second-tier footballers like Ratuvakacereivalu don’t have any light at the end of the tunnel with the Canterbury Cup shelved for 2020.

“That is the difference — we have no idea what is going on,” he said.

“We have been told to keep fit because you never know what could happen.

“It has been pretty hectic, especially when there isn’t much information going around. It is a bit confusing, but it is what it is, I guess.

“I have no idea what is going on, but you just have to be ready for when you get the call. It helps knowing that I’m not the only player in this situation.

“The club has also helped a lot. They have set us up with jobkeeper payments. It helps knowing that the club is still looking after us. It helps because some of the boys have lost their jobs through the shutdown.”

Times have been tough for Ratuvakacereivalu with his league career on hold, but he is trying to keep his life in perspective.

“I’ve had a few operations on my leg, and I was out for a year and a half, so I guess I’ve been through worse,” he said.

“The timing sucks, but I’m trying to stay positive.

“I was so close to the NRL squad prior to the lockdown, so I’ll use that as motivation. I have got to be ready for whenever an opportunity arises.”

Honestly .... the NRL should be trying to save every dollar it has at the moment

Forget 2nd tier trials until 2021 ..lets just get through this season

What do you do with the players who miss the 17 each week?

Tell them to work harder at making the 17 .....competition for positions

And how can they show that without playing?

Impress at training ....we can't be wasting money in 2020 ...life is different for everyone

You know that is not the same though, and it doesn't have to be an expensive undertaking.

But how is it different than the way of the world at the moment ...the strongest survive ...why is it people want to baby footballers who can't crack it

I don't see it as babysitting players, its keeping your top 30 ready to step up. Ratu wouldn't be likely to be included anyway as he is outside the top 30 isn't he? This is for players you are paying in your top 30 anyway. I guess I'm just defending the players again 😉

Yes you are ....again

We need to save money ....we just need to get through this season best we can and move on in 2021

 

[cochise]

Anyone able to copy and paste this article about Joey Ratu? https://t.co/boaD6MKvFT




TIGERS
NRL hopefuls excited by proposal for second-tier trial matches
Matt Logue, The Daily Telegraph
May 5, 202

The introduction of second-tier trial matches this season would be life-changing for fringe Wests Tigers prop Joseph Ratuvakacereivalu.

Prior to the NRL’s shutdown, Ratuvakacereivalu was in contention for a top 30 position at the Tigers after impressing at the Nines tournament in Perth.

Then the coronavirus hit, forcing him out of the NRL squad and onto jobkeeper payments while working as a labourer.

Ratuvakacereivalu has mentally struggled since and is living in limbo after the Canterbury Cup competition was cancelled for 2020. So he would welcome a proposed second-tier trial match initiative.

As revealed in The Daily Telegraph, NRL rivals like the Roosters and South Sydney could merge under a proposal to play fortnightly trial matches to give players outside the top 17 at each club regular match conditioning.

Coaches would pick their 21-man squads each Tuesday for that weekend’s games then, players who miss out would be placed in a pool for the trial games.

The idea was tossed around at a recent NRL coaches’ association meeting and will be discussed in further detail at the next meeting of Project Apollo on Friday.

“I think that idea is so good for all the Cup boys,” said Ratuvakacereivalu, who has played 35 Canterbury Cup games for the Wests Magpies since 2018.

“Everyone is still wondering what the go is. We don’t even know if we can play Ron Massey Cup, so it would help if we could play some football.

“It would be fun, give us a chance for some game fitness and give the boys a chance to show off to the NRL coaches and prove ourselves for a top 30 spot.

“I was so close to making the NRL team, so that is what hurts the most.

“You want to take every opportunity you get to impress the coach, but there is not much I can do with the season off.”

Ratuvakacereivalu is one of hundreds of second-tier players who are currently on the rugby league scrapheap.

He has been working eight hours a day shifting metal on a job site while training in the afternoons when he gets home.

Unlike NRL players who will resume their competition on May 28, second-tier footballers like Ratuvakacereivalu don’t have any light at the end of the tunnel with the Canterbury Cup shelved for 2020.

“That is the difference — we have no idea what is going on,” he said.

“We have been told to keep fit because you never know what could happen.

“It has been pretty hectic, especially when there isn’t much information going around. It is a bit confusing, but it is what it is, I guess.

“I have no idea what is going on, but you just have to be ready for when you get the call. It helps knowing that I’m not the only player in this situation.

“The club has also helped a lot. They have set us up with jobkeeper payments. It helps knowing that the club is still looking after us. It helps because some of the boys have lost their jobs through the shutdown.”

Times have been tough for Ratuvakacereivalu with his league career on hold, but he is trying to keep his life in perspective.

“I’ve had a few operations on my leg, and I was out for a year and a half, so I guess I’ve been through worse,” he said.

“The timing sucks, but I’m trying to stay positive.

“I was so close to the NRL squad prior to the lockdown, so I’ll use that as motivation. I have got to be ready for whenever an opportunity arises.”

Honestly .... the NRL should be trying to save every dollar it has at the moment

Forget 2nd tier trials until 2021 ..lets just get through this season

What do you do with the players who miss the 17 each week?

Tell them to work harder at making the 17 .....competition for positions

And how can they show that without playing?

Impress at training ....we can't be wasting money in 2020 ...life is different for everyone

You know that is not the same though, and it doesn't have to be an expensive undertaking.

But how is it different than the way of the world at the moment ...the strongest survive ...why is it people want to baby footballers who can't crack it

I don't see it as babysitting players, its keeping your top 30 ready to step up. Ratu wouldn't be likely to be included anyway as he is outside the top 30 isn't he? This is for players you are paying in your top 30 anyway. I guess I'm just defending the players again 😉

Yes you are ....again

We need to save money ....we just need to get through this season best we can and move on in 2021

I do not see how this will really cost much at all.

 

[happy_tiger]

Anyone able to copy and paste this article about Joey Ratu? https://t.co/boaD6MKvFT




TIGERS
NRL hopefuls excited by proposal for second-tier trial matches
Matt Logue, The Daily Telegraph
May 5, 202

The introduction of second-tier trial matches this season would be life-changing for fringe Wests Tigers prop Joseph Ratuvakacereivalu.

Prior to the NRL’s shutdown, Ratuvakacereivalu was in contention for a top 30 position at the Tigers after impressing at the Nines tournament in Perth.

Then the coronavirus hit, forcing him out of the NRL squad and onto jobkeeper payments while working as a labourer.

Ratuvakacereivalu has mentally struggled since and is living in limbo after the Canterbury Cup competition was cancelled for 2020. So he would welcome a proposed second-tier trial match initiative.

As revealed in The Daily Telegraph, NRL rivals like the Roosters and South Sydney could merge under a proposal to play fortnightly trial matches to give players outside the top 17 at each club regular match conditioning.

Coaches would pick their 21-man squads each Tuesday for that weekend’s games then, players who miss out would be placed in a pool for the trial games.

The idea was tossed around at a recent NRL coaches’ association meeting and will be discussed in further detail at the next meeting of Project Apollo on Friday.

“I think that idea is so good for all the Cup boys,” said Ratuvakacereivalu, who has played 35 Canterbury Cup games for the Wests Magpies since 2018.

“Everyone is still wondering what the go is. We don’t even know if we can play Ron Massey Cup, so it would help if we could play some football.

“It would be fun, give us a chance for some game fitness and give the boys a chance to show off to the NRL coaches and prove ourselves for a top 30 spot.

“I was so close to making the NRL team, so that is what hurts the most.

“You want to take every opportunity you get to impress the coach, but there is not much I can do with the season off.”

Ratuvakacereivalu is one of hundreds of second-tier players who are currently on the rugby league scrapheap.

He has been working eight hours a day shifting metal on a job site while training in the afternoons when he gets home.

Unlike NRL players who will resume their competition on May 28, second-tier footballers like Ratuvakacereivalu don’t have any light at the end of the tunnel with the Canterbury Cup shelved for 2020.

“That is the difference — we have no idea what is going on,” he said.

“We have been told to keep fit because you never know what could happen.

“It has been pretty hectic, especially when there isn’t much information going around. It is a bit confusing, but it is what it is, I guess.

“I have no idea what is going on, but you just have to be ready for when you get the call. It helps knowing that I’m not the only player in this situation.

“The club has also helped a lot. They have set us up with jobkeeper payments. It helps knowing that the club is still looking after us. It helps because some of the boys have lost their jobs through the shutdown.”

Times have been tough for Ratuvakacereivalu with his league career on hold, but he is trying to keep his life in perspective.

“I’ve had a few operations on my leg, and I was out for a year and a half, so I guess I’ve been through worse,” he said.

“The timing sucks, but I’m trying to stay positive.

“I was so close to the NRL squad prior to the lockdown, so I’ll use that as motivation. I have got to be ready for whenever an opportunity arises.”

Honestly .... the NRL should be trying to save every dollar it has at the moment

Forget 2nd tier trials until 2021 ..lets just get through this season

What do you do with the players who miss the 17 each week?

Tell them to work harder at making the 17 .....competition for positions

And how can they show that without playing?

Impress at training ....we can't be wasting money in 2020 ...life is different for everyone

You know that is not the same though, and it doesn't have to be an expensive undertaking.

But how is it different than the way of the world at the moment ...the strongest survive ...why is it people want to baby footballers who can't crack it

I don't see it as babysitting players, its keeping your top 30 ready to step up. Ratu wouldn't be likely to be included anyway as he is outside the top 30 isn't he? This is for players you are paying in your top 30 anyway. I guess I'm just defending the players again 😉

Yes you are ....again

We need to save money ....we just need to get through this season best we can and move on in 2021

I do not see how this will really cost much at all.

If it can't break even it should get ignored ...any other season ...yeah no worries

 

[cochise]

Anyone able to copy and paste this article about Joey Ratu? https://t.co/boaD6MKvFT




TIGERS
NRL hopefuls excited by proposal for second-tier trial matches
Matt Logue, The Daily Telegraph
May 5, 202

The introduction of second-tier trial matches this season would be life-changing for fringe Wests Tigers prop Joseph Ratuvakacereivalu.

Prior to the NRL’s shutdown, Ratuvakacereivalu was in contention for a top 30 position at the Tigers after impressing at the Nines tournament in Perth.

Then the coronavirus hit, forcing him out of the NRL squad and onto jobkeeper payments while working as a labourer.

Ratuvakacereivalu has mentally struggled since and is living in limbo after the Canterbury Cup competition was cancelled for 2020. So he would welcome a proposed second-tier trial match initiative.

As revealed in The Daily Telegraph, NRL rivals like the Roosters and South Sydney could merge under a proposal to play fortnightly trial matches to give players outside the top 17 at each club regular match conditioning.

Coaches would pick their 21-man squads each Tuesday for that weekend’s games then, players who miss out would be placed in a pool for the trial games.

The idea was tossed around at a recent NRL coaches’ association meeting and will be discussed in further detail at the next meeting of Project Apollo on Friday.

“I think that idea is so good for all the Cup boys,” said Ratuvakacereivalu, who has played 35 Canterbury Cup games for the Wests Magpies since 2018.

“Everyone is still wondering what the go is. We don’t even know if we can play Ron Massey Cup, so it would help if we could play some football.

“It would be fun, give us a chance for some game fitness and give the boys a chance to show off to the NRL coaches and prove ourselves for a top 30 spot.

“I was so close to making the NRL team, so that is what hurts the most.

“You want to take every opportunity you get to impress the coach, but there is not much I can do with the season off.”

Ratuvakacereivalu is one of hundreds of second-tier players who are currently on the rugby league scrapheap.

He has been working eight hours a day shifting metal on a job site while training in the afternoons when he gets home.

Unlike NRL players who will resume their competition on May 28, second-tier footballers like Ratuvakacereivalu don’t have any light at the end of the tunnel with the Canterbury Cup shelved for 2020.

“That is the difference — we have no idea what is going on,” he said.

“We have been told to keep fit because you never know what could happen.

“It has been pretty hectic, especially when there isn’t much information going around. It is a bit confusing, but it is what it is, I guess.

“I have no idea what is going on, but you just have to be ready for when you get the call. It helps knowing that I’m not the only player in this situation.

“The club has also helped a lot. They have set us up with jobkeeper payments. It helps knowing that the club is still looking after us. It helps because some of the boys have lost their jobs through the shutdown.”

Times have been tough for Ratuvakacereivalu with his league career on hold, but he is trying to keep his life in perspective.

“I’ve had a few operations on my leg, and I was out for a year and a half, so I guess I’ve been through worse,” he said.

“The timing sucks, but I’m trying to stay positive.

“I was so close to the NRL squad prior to the lockdown, so I’ll use that as motivation. I have got to be ready for whenever an opportunity arises.”

Honestly .... the NRL should be trying to save every dollar it has at the moment

Forget 2nd tier trials until 2021 ..lets just get through this season

What do you do with the players who miss the 17 each week?

Tell them to work harder at making the 17 .....competition for positions

And how can they show that without playing?

Impress at training ....we can't be wasting money in 2020 ...life is different for everyone

You know that is not the same though, and it doesn't have to be an expensive undertaking.

But how is it different than the way of the world at the moment ...the strongest survive ...why is it people want to baby footballers who can't crack it

I don't see it as babysitting players, its keeping your top 30 ready to step up. Ratu wouldn't be likely to be included anyway as he is outside the top 30 isn't he? This is for players you are paying in your top 30 anyway. I guess I'm just defending the players again 😉

Yes you are ....again

We need to save money ....we just need to get through this season best we can and move on in 2021

I do not see how this will really cost much at all.

If it can't break even it should get ignored ...any other season ...yeah no worries

If it is broadcast it would definately break even, they should only be using players they are paying anyway.

 

[TheDaBoss]

Am i correct in saying that the May 28th restart is practically a defining moment for NRL as a whole, since we r going to be one of the only sports ( well if u exclude WWE) that is up and running.... in my opinion the international viewer base is going to be triple what it would normally be....
Perfect opportunity to help the game of Rugby League grow

UFC 249

hell yea

forgot about that

 

[TheDaBoss]

Anyone able to copy and paste this article about Joey Ratu? https://t.co/boaD6MKvFT




TIGERS
NRL hopefuls excited by proposal for second-tier trial matches
Matt Logue, The Daily Telegraph
May 5, 202

The introduction of second-tier trial matches this season would be life-changing for fringe Wests Tigers prop Joseph Ratuvakacereivalu.

Prior to the NRL’s shutdown, Ratuvakacereivalu was in contention for a top 30 position at the Tigers after impressing at the Nines tournament in Perth.

Then the coronavirus hit, forcing him out of the NRL squad and onto jobkeeper payments while working as a labourer.

Ratuvakacereivalu has mentally struggled since and is living in limbo after the Canterbury Cup competition was cancelled for 2020. So he would welcome a proposed second-tier trial match initiative.

As revealed in The Daily Telegraph, NRL rivals like the Roosters and South Sydney could merge under a proposal to play fortnightly trial matches to give players outside the top 17 at each club regular match conditioning.

Coaches would pick their 21-man squads each Tuesday for that weekend’s games then, players who miss out would be placed in a pool for the trial games.

The idea was tossed around at a recent NRL coaches’ association meeting and will be discussed in further detail at the next meeting of Project Apollo on Friday.

“I think that idea is so good for all the Cup boys,” said Ratuvakacereivalu, who has played 35 Canterbury Cup games for the Wests Magpies since 2018.

“Everyone is still wondering what the go is. We don’t even know if we can play Ron Massey Cup, so it would help if we could play some football.

“It would be fun, give us a chance for some game fitness and give the boys a chance to show off to the NRL coaches and prove ourselves for a top 30 spot.

“I was so close to making the NRL team, so that is what hurts the most.

“You want to take every opportunity you get to impress the coach, but there is not much I can do with the season off.”

Ratuvakacereivalu is one of hundreds of second-tier players who are currently on the rugby league scrapheap.

He has been working eight hours a day shifting metal on a job site while training in the afternoons when he gets home.

Unlike NRL players who will resume their competition on May 28, second-tier footballers like Ratuvakacereivalu don’t have any light at the end of the tunnel with the Canterbury Cup shelved for 2020.

“That is the difference — we have no idea what is going on,” he said.

“We have been told to keep fit because you never know what could happen.

“It has been pretty hectic, especially when there isn’t much information going around. It is a bit confusing, but it is what it is, I guess.

“I have no idea what is going on, but you just have to be ready for when you get the call. It helps knowing that I’m not the only player in this situation.

“The club has also helped a lot. They have set us up with jobkeeper payments. It helps knowing that the club is still looking after us. It helps because some of the boys have lost their jobs through the shutdown.”

Times have been tough for Ratuvakacereivalu with his league career on hold, but he is trying to keep his life in perspective.

“I’ve had a few operations on my leg, and I was out for a year and a half, so I guess I’ve been through worse,” he said.

“The timing sucks, but I’m trying to stay positive.

“I was so close to the NRL squad prior to the lockdown, so I’ll use that as motivation. I have got to be ready for whenever an opportunity arises.”

Honestly .... the NRL should be trying to save every dollar it has at the moment

Forget 2nd tier trials until 2021 ..lets just get through this season

wouldnt u get more money from running more games like this?

i think a lot of fans would love to see Young and talented juniors verse each other, especially if its like a format like that and on a Monday

 

[gallagher]

Anyone able to copy and paste this article about Joey Ratu? https://t.co/boaD6MKvFT




TIGERS
NRL hopefuls excited by proposal for second-tier trial matches
Matt Logue, The Daily Telegraph
May 5, 202

The introduction of second-tier trial matches this season would be life-changing for fringe Wests Tigers prop Joseph Ratuvakacereivalu.

Prior to the NRL’s shutdown, Ratuvakacereivalu was in contention for a top 30 position at the Tigers after impressing at the Nines tournament in Perth.

Then the coronavirus hit, forcing him out of the NRL squad and onto jobkeeper payments while working as a labourer.

Ratuvakacereivalu has mentally struggled since and is living in limbo after the Canterbury Cup competition was cancelled for 2020. So he would welcome a proposed second-tier trial match initiative.

As revealed in The Daily Telegraph, NRL rivals like the Roosters and South Sydney could merge under a proposal to play fortnightly trial matches to give players outside the top 17 at each club regular match conditioning.

Coaches would pick their 21-man squads each Tuesday for that weekend’s games then, players who miss out would be placed in a pool for the trial games.

The idea was tossed around at a recent NRL coaches’ association meeting and will be discussed in further detail at the next meeting of Project Apollo on Friday.

“I think that idea is so good for all the Cup boys,” said Ratuvakacereivalu, who has played 35 Canterbury Cup games for the Wests Magpies since 2018.

“Everyone is still wondering what the go is. We don’t even know if we can play Ron Massey Cup, so it would help if we could play some football.

“It would be fun, give us a chance for some game fitness and give the boys a chance to show off to the NRL coaches and prove ourselves for a top 30 spot.

“I was so close to making the NRL team, so that is what hurts the most.

“You want to take every opportunity you get to impress the coach, but there is not much I can do with the season off.”

Ratuvakacereivalu is one of hundreds of second-tier players who are currently on the rugby league scrapheap.

He has been working eight hours a day shifting metal on a job site while training in the afternoons when he gets home.

Unlike NRL players who will resume their competition on May 28, second-tier footballers like Ratuvakacereivalu don’t have any light at the end of the tunnel with the Canterbury Cup shelved for 2020.

“That is the difference — we have no idea what is going on,” he said.

“We have been told to keep fit because you never know what could happen.

“It has been pretty hectic, especially when there isn’t much information going around. It is a bit confusing, but it is what it is, I guess.

“I have no idea what is going on, but you just have to be ready for when you get the call. It helps knowing that I’m not the only player in this situation.

“The club has also helped a lot. They have set us up with jobkeeper payments. It helps knowing that the club is still looking after us. It helps because some of the boys have lost their jobs through the shutdown.”

Times have been tough for Ratuvakacereivalu with his league career on hold, but he is trying to keep his life in perspective.

“I’ve had a few operations on my leg, and I was out for a year and a half, so I guess I’ve been through worse,” he said.

“The timing sucks, but I’m trying to stay positive.

“I was so close to the NRL squad prior to the lockdown, so I’ll use that as motivation. I have got to be ready for whenever an opportunity arises.”

Honestly .... the NRL should be trying to save every dollar it has at the moment

Forget 2nd tier trials until 2021 ..lets just get through this season

What do you do with the players who miss the 17 each week?

Tell them to work harder at making the 17 .....competition for positions

And how can they show that without playing?

Impress at training ....we can't be wasting money in 2020 ...life is different for everyone

You know that is not the same though, and it doesn't have to be an expensive undertaking.

But how is it different than the way of the world at the moment ...the strongest survive ...why is it people want to baby footballers who can't crack it

I don't see it as babysitting players, its keeping your top 30 ready to step up. Ratu wouldn't be likely to be included anyway as he is outside the top 30 isn't he? This is for players you are paying in your top 30 anyway. I guess I'm just defending the players again 😉

Yes you are ....again

We need to save money ....we just need to get through this season best we can and move on in 2021

I do not see how this will really cost much at all.

If it can't break even it should get ignored ...any other season ...yeah no worries

If it is broadcast it would definately break even, they should only be using players they are paying anyway.

Absolutely, if the only 2 sports on Tv are the NRL and a secondary comp then they'd make money.

 

[Tim Sheens]

Anyone able to copy and paste this article about Joey Ratu? https://t.co/boaD6MKvFT




TIGERS
NRL hopefuls excited by proposal for second-tier trial matches
Matt Logue, The Daily Telegraph
May 5, 202

The introduction of second-tier trial matches this season would be life-changing for fringe Wests Tigers prop Joseph Ratuvakacereivalu.

Prior to the NRL’s shutdown, Ratuvakacereivalu was in contention for a top 30 position at the Tigers after impressing at the Nines tournament in Perth.

Then the coronavirus hit, forcing him out of the NRL squad and onto jobkeeper payments while working as a labourer.

Ratuvakacereivalu has mentally struggled since and is living in limbo after the Canterbury Cup competition was cancelled for 2020. So he would welcome a proposed second-tier trial match initiative.

As revealed in The Daily Telegraph, NRL rivals like the Roosters and South Sydney could merge under a proposal to play fortnightly trial matches to give players outside the top 17 at each club regular match conditioning.

Coaches would pick their 21-man squads each Tuesday for that weekend’s games then, players who miss out would be placed in a pool for the trial games.

The idea was tossed around at a recent NRL coaches’ association meeting and will be discussed in further detail at the next meeting of Project Apollo on Friday.

“I think that idea is so good for all the Cup boys,” said Ratuvakacereivalu, who has played 35 Canterbury Cup games for the Wests Magpies since 2018.

“Everyone is still wondering what the go is. We don’t even know if we can play Ron Massey Cup, so it would help if we could play some football.

“It would be fun, give us a chance for some game fitness and give the boys a chance to show off to the NRL coaches and prove ourselves for a top 30 spot.

“I was so close to making the NRL team, so that is what hurts the most.

“You want to take every opportunity you get to impress the coach, but there is not much I can do with the season off.”

Ratuvakacereivalu is one of hundreds of second-tier players who are currently on the rugby league scrapheap.

He has been working eight hours a day shifting metal on a job site while training in the afternoons when he gets home.

Unlike NRL players who will resume their competition on May 28, second-tier footballers like Ratuvakacereivalu don’t have any light at the end of the tunnel with the Canterbury Cup shelved for 2020.

“That is the difference — we have no idea what is going on,” he said.

“We have been told to keep fit because you never know what could happen.

“It has been pretty hectic, especially when there isn’t much information going around. It is a bit confusing, but it is what it is, I guess.

“I have no idea what is going on, but you just have to be ready for when you get the call. It helps knowing that I’m not the only player in this situation.

“The club has also helped a lot. They have set us up with jobkeeper payments. It helps knowing that the club is still looking after us. It helps because some of the boys have lost their jobs through the shutdown.”

Times have been tough for Ratuvakacereivalu with his league career on hold, but he is trying to keep his life in perspective.

“I’ve had a few operations on my leg, and I was out for a year and a half, so I guess I’ve been through worse,” he said.

“The timing sucks, but I’m trying to stay positive.

“I was so close to the NRL squad prior to the lockdown, so I’ll use that as motivation. I have got to be ready for whenever an opportunity arises.”

Honestly .... the NRL should be trying to save every dollar it has at the moment

Forget 2nd tier trials until 2021 ..lets just get through this season

What do you do with the players who miss the 17 each week?

Tell them to work harder at making the 17 .....competition for positions

And how can they show that without playing?

Impress at training ....we can't be wasting money in 2020 ...life is different for everyone

You know that is not the same though, and it doesn't have to be an expensive undertaking.

But how is it different than the way of the world at the moment ...the strongest survive ...why is it people want to baby footballers who can't crack it

I don't see it as babysitting players, its keeping your top 30 ready to step up. Ratu wouldn't be likely to be included anyway as he is outside the top 30 isn't he? This is for players you are paying in your top 30 anyway. I guess I'm just defending the players again 😉

Yes you are ....again

We need to save money ....we just need to get through this season best we can and move on in 2021

Sure finance comes into any decision, but how do you evaluate your retention decisions and the financial ramifications of them without seeing them play?

 

[tigger]

Does anyone know what happens if a player tests positive to Covid 19?
Does our entire team have to go into quarantine for a period? (If so, how long?)
If they've played two games in, say, the last 10 days, do the teams they've played against have to go into quarantine?
And if one of those teams has since had another game etc....
I haven't seen this discussed anywhere but surely it can't be that fragile or the NRL wouldn't be pursuing a restart so actively.

 

[GNR4LIFE]

Does anyone know what happens if a player tests positive to Covid 19?
Does our entire team have to go into quarantine for a period? (If so, how long?)
If they've played two games in, say, the last 10 days, do the teams they've played against have to go into quarantine?
And if one of those teams has since had another game etc....
I haven't seen this discussed anywhere but surely it can't be that fragile or the NRL wouldn't be pursuing a restart so actively.

If a player tests positive, that it will be it. Game over. And the NRL will cop it from all sides.

 

[bacon]

I don't think the competition will run for much longer....couple of weeks an that'll be it...I sure hope not but if a player tests positive, imagine what the NRL would look like allowing the competition to resume during this pandemic.

 

[cochise]

I don't think the competition will run for much longer....couple of weeks an that'll be it...I sure hope not but if a player tests positive, imagine what the NRL would look like allowing the competition to resume during this pandemic.

At this point in time it is not very likely that a player will test positive.

 

[tigger]

Wow! If that's the case it's all or nothing isn't it.
That creates a hell of an incentive for some idiot to try to cover up a positive test result. If that were to happen, and leaked out (as it almost certainly would) the reputational damage to the game would exceed anything we've ever contemplated before.

 

[cochise]

Wow! If that's the case it's all or nothing isn't it.
That creates a hell of an incentive for some idiot to try to cover up a positive test result. If that were to happen, and leaked out (as it almost certainly would) the reputational damage to the game would exceed anything we've ever contemplated before.

I think the NRL would try to continue even if a player tested positive.

 

[tigger]

Wow! If that's the case it's all or nothing isn't it.
That creates a hell of an incentive for some idiot to try to cover up a positive test result. If that were to happen, and leaked out (as it almost certainly would) the reputational damage to the game would exceed anything we've ever contemplated before.

I think the NRL would try to continue even if a player tested positive.

You would think there would have to be some strategy that would legitimately allow them to do so. Otherwise the whole venture is very high risk. I can't see any broadcaster signing on if the likelihood of winding it all up in a couple of weeks is so high.

 

[cochise]

Wow! If that's the case it's all or nothing isn't it.
That creates a hell of an incentive for some idiot to try to cover up a positive test result. If that were to happen, and leaked out (as it almost certainly would) the reputational damage to the game would exceed anything we've ever contemplated before.

I think the NRL would try to continue even if a player tested positive.

You would think there would have to be some strategy that would legitimately allow them to do so. Otherwise the whole venture is very high risk. I can't see any broadcaster signing on if the likelihood of winding it all up in a couple of weeks is so high.

Likelihood in a player testing positive is quite low, with their biosecurity measure I think the NRL are looking to prevent cases and catch any before players infect others.

 

[Geo]

Wow! If that's the case it's all or nothing isn't it.
That creates a hell of an incentive for some idiot to try to cover up a positive test result. If that were to happen, and leaked out (as it almost certainly would) the reputational damage to the game would exceed anything we've ever contemplated before.

I think the NRL would try to continue even if a player tested positive.

You would think there would have to be some strategy that would legitimately allow them to do so. Otherwise the whole venture is very high risk. I can't see any broadcaster signing on if the likelihood of winding it all up in a couple of weeks is so high.

Likelihood in a player testing positive is quite low, with their biosecurity measure I think the NRL are looking to prevent cases and catch any before players infect others.

That's it ..anyone even showing the slightest symptoms will be tested..we have already seen 4 cases even before the measure was in place..Robinson Mitchell Knight and Reynolds..

They were isolated from the rest of the group until results where known..

The players and officials know not to turn up with even the minimal chance..

If a player or official did return a positive test it would be highly unlikely they would have had contact anyway..If they did every person would be tested in that organisation..

Just like they don't shut down all age care facilities if one person gets tested or close every school or Supermarket..

The NRL will continue once it starts..

 

[cochise]

Wow! If that's the case it's all or nothing isn't it.
That creates a hell of an incentive for some idiot to try to cover up a positive test result. If that were to happen, and leaked out (as it almost certainly would) the reputational damage to the game would exceed anything we've ever contemplated before.

I think the NRL would try to continue even if a player tested positive.

You would think there would have to be some strategy that would legitimately allow them to do so. Otherwise the whole venture is very high risk. I can't see any broadcaster signing on if the likelihood of winding it all up in a couple of weeks is so high.

Likelihood in a player testing positive is quite low, with their biosecurity measure I think the NRL are looking to prevent cases and catch any before players infect others.

That's it ..anyone even showing the slightest symptoms will be tested..we have already seen 4 cases even before the measure was in place..Robinson Mitchell Knight and Reynolds..

They were isolated from the rest of the group until results where known..

The players and officials know not to turn up with even the minimal chance..

If a player or official did return a positive test it would be highly unlikely they would have had contact anyway..If they did every person would be tested in that organisation..

Just like they don't shut down all age care facilities if one person gets tested or close every school or Supermarket..

The NRL will continue once it starts..

Unless we get a widespread outbreak amongst players the comp will continue.

 

[Geo]

Wow! If that's the case it's all or nothing isn't it.
That creates a hell of an incentive for some idiot to try to cover up a positive test result. If that were to happen, and leaked out (as it almost certainly would) the reputational damage to the game would exceed anything we've ever contemplated before.

I think the NRL would try to continue even if a player tested positive.

You would think there would have to be some strategy that would legitimately allow them to do so. Otherwise the whole venture is very high risk. I can't see any broadcaster signing on if the likelihood of winding it all up in a couple of weeks is so high.

Likelihood in a player testing positive is quite low, with their biosecurity measure I think the NRL are looking to prevent cases and catch any before players infect others.

That's it ..anyone even showing the slightest symptoms will be tested..we have already seen 4 cases even before the measure was in place..Robinson Mitchell Knight and Reynolds..

They were isolated from the rest of the group until results where known..

The players and officials know not to turn up with even the minimal chance..

If a player or official did return a positive test it would be highly unlikely they would have had contact anyway..If they did every person would be tested in that organisation..

Just like they don't shut down all age care facilities if one person gets tested or close every school or Supermarket..

The NRL will continue once it starts..

Unless we get a widespread outbreak amongst players the comp will continue.

Obviously..but 1 or 2 cases is not going to shut it down..

 

[cochise]

Wow! If that's the case it's all or nothing isn't it.
That creates a hell of an incentive for some idiot to try to cover up a positive test result. If that were to happen, and leaked out (as it almost certainly would) the reputational damage to the game would exceed anything we've ever contemplated before.

I think the NRL would try to continue even if a player tested positive.

You would think there would have to be some strategy that would legitimately allow them to do so. Otherwise the whole venture is very high risk. I can't see any broadcaster signing on if the likelihood of winding it all up in a couple of weeks is so high.

Likelihood in a player testing positive is quite low, with their biosecurity measure I think the NRL are looking to prevent cases and catch any before players infect others.

That's it ..anyone even showing the slightest symptoms will be tested..we have already seen 4 cases even before the measure was in place..Robinson Mitchell Knight and Reynolds..

They were isolated from the rest of the group until results where known..

The players and officials know not to turn up with even the minimal chance..

If a player or official did return a positive test it would be highly unlikely they would have had contact anyway..If they did every person would be tested in that organisation..

Just like they don't shut down all age care facilities if one person gets tested or close every school or Supermarket..

The NRL will continue once it starts..

Unless we get a widespread outbreak amongst players the comp will continue.

Obviously..but 1 or 2 cases is not going to shut it down..

Agree, that is why the NRL has put the biosecurity measure in place.