I Say Cancel The Season!!!!

[tiga4eva]

No way a PM would let sports like NRL and AFL die. He’d be lynched. Postponed for a few weeks, maybe

 

[hobbo1]

The NRL will only survive 3-4 weeks before going broke. may even lead to teams being cut from the next season of competition. Or even worse the NRL way not be able to be viable.

Nah Fox's Golden Bird is NRL ..they won't let it die

They could cut some staff members
Bwaife
Ennis
Fletch
Hindy
The professor
Barney

Emma Lawrence

And Freedman

How does she get a gig on tv?

Her name I suppose ...
Annoying Troll Doll imo

 

[jirskyr]

I know it started as a joke but I'm glad the topic was raised. I saw Peter Fitz, always in need of propelling his opinion in all directions, saying NRL and AFL should cancel their seasons because it puts people at risk.

I'm not clear how footballers tackling each other on a field with no spectators is any more risk than catching the train to work or going to the shops? Assuming of course that the footballers have tested negative for corona and, even better, have been adequately isolated from the general community. Also noting that a very very small fraction of those directly involved in League are high-risk - players certainly don't have heart disease or cancer, and apart from Wayne Bennett, there's very few people over 65.

They are talking about player welfare being paramount, and that absolute piece of crap Hooper must have used the word 26 times on Friday night, by way of basically saying nothing at all as Foxtels "Chief Rugby League reporter". Of course player welfare counts the most, but I'd actually be more worried about any older workers, or retirees volunteering - those are the people really at risk, and they aren't mandatory for the NRL to keep running, I don't believe.

So why should an domestic competition be cancelled when ZERO other businesses are being forced to do the same? NRL is a business, same as any other, except lots of folks observe the business on weekends.

 

[tig_prmz]

you're not going to be able to test them every week, there aren't enough kits available for that.

it'll take one NRL/reserve grader/U20s player to get the virus and it'll spread like crazy.

 

[jirskyr]

you’re not going to be able to test them every week, there aren’t enough kits available for that.
it’ll take one NRL/reserve grader/U20s player to get the virus and it’ll spread like crazy.

So you isolate them all now. Wayne Bennett's suggestion has merit on that point alone, regardless of any logistical or player-welfare considerations about sending all players up somewhere remote to stay away from the general community for a few weeks / months.

I frankly don't understand the difference in these scenarios:

(1) Player X is found positive for corona. You isolate him and test his team-mates and/or opponents. You isolate any positives.

(2) I get found positive for corona. I self-isolate and I tell my family, friends and work colleagues to be aware.

Now, under scenario #2, is my place of employment obliged to shut down? Does some government person have to re-trace my steps and wipe down every public surface? Does my local supermarket have to be advised? Does every single person I spoke to or shook hands with in the past week have to now self-isolate? If yes, then fine, also apply to scenario #1. If no, then why does 1 player with corona immediately implicate every player?

 

[Sco77y]

I know it started as a joke but I'm glad the topic was raised. I saw Peter Fitz, always in need of propelling his opinion in all directions, saying NRL and AFL should cancel their seasons because it puts people at risk.

I'm not clear how footballers tackling each other on a field with no spectators is any more risk than catching the train to work or going to the shops? Assuming of course that the footballers have tested negative for corona and, even better, have been adequately isolated from the general community. Also noting that a very very small fraction of those directly involved in League are high-risk - players certainly don't have heart disease or cancer, and apart from Wayne Bennett, there's very few people over 65.

They are talking about player welfare being paramount, and that absolute piece of crap Hooper must have used the word 26 times on Friday night, by way of basically saying nothing at all as Foxtels "Chief Rugby League reporter". Of course player welfare counts the most, but I'd actually be more worried about any older workers, or retirees volunteering - those are the people really at risk, and they aren't mandatory for the NRL to keep running, I don't believe.

So why should an domestic competition be cancelled when ZERO other businesses are being forced to do the same? NRL is a business, same as any other, except lots of folks observe the business on weekends.

NZ Warriors situation alone makes it untenable I think. It's a very large expectation to have them holed up in Australia for who knows how long to see out what could be a long period. Then, if the Warriors are out I don't see how we could really continue the competition, unless without them, but I can't see that working. I mean maybe it could work, but it would be an odd situation - would throw scheduling out the window among a host of other things.

 

[hammertime]

I'm not clear how footballers tackling each other on a field with no spectators is any more risk than catching the train to work or going to the shops? Assuming of course that the footballers have tested negative for corona and, even better, have been adequately isolated from the general community. Also noting that a very very small fraction of those directly involved in League are high-risk - players certainly don't have heart disease or cancer, and apart from Wayne Bennett, there's very few people over 65.

They certainly would be at higher risk if there is someone who does have the virus as there is blood, sweat and close contact throughout the game.

So, the only way would be to isolate them remotely. But then, that means taking them away from their family (or if they come with, then partners giving up their livelihoods and potentially care of elderly family members).

Can you imagine Benji being away from his son? or Zoe giving up her work in the media to join Benji?

That would be the only option. But that is a BIG ask for every player and family member in the NRL to agree to that.

.. and the issue isn't the risk to the players themselves, it's the risk to their families if they keep playing and get infected. Can you imagine if you killed someone close to you? I can. My sister passed on the flu to my grandma years ago and it still haunts her today.

 

[barra]

Because of Covid-19 they should finish the season now. We made the top 4!!!!!!!!!!! That's an improvement in my eyes. Who would have picked us for that??

We played a team that will be in with a massive shout at the spoon though. Happy with the win nonetheless.

Yeah it’s hard to believe that a team with a pack like that can be so bad!

True - even the ground announcer said "great team on paper"
But wow, if we gave most teams those opportunities we'd have been put to the sword!

 

[voice_of_reason]

So, the only way would be to isolate them remotely. But then, that means taking them away from their family (or if they come with, then partners giving up their livelihoods and potentially care of elderly family members).

Can you imagine Benji being away from his son? or Zoe giving up her work in the media to join Benji?

That would be the only option. But that is a BIG ask for every player and family member in the NRL to agree to that.

You shouldn't force people to be away from their families but you can give them the option. They can decide to participate or not, and get paid or not.

Clearly most will prefer not to be separated but these are highly unusual circumstances. The players make significant sums of money and MAY need to make some sacrifices to ensure that continues.

It's not like they would be the first people to do this. FIFO people do it all the time and thousands of Navy sailors regularly go away for 6-9 month deployments. The original Kangaroo/Ashes tours used to go for months.

If I was a footballer and had to spend a month away from my family to ensure the continuation of the game I'd do it. I wouldn't be happy about it, but the bigger picture is guaranteeing massive incomes into the future.

 

[Hangonaminute]

Massive overreaction, in 6 weeks things will be back to normal.

 

[Geo]

I know it started as a joke but I'm glad the topic was raised. I saw Peter Fitz, always in need of propelling his opinion in all directions, saying NRL and AFL should cancel their seasons because it puts people at risk.

I'm not clear how footballers tackling each other on a field with no spectators is any more risk than catching the train to work or going to the shops? Assuming of course that the footballers have tested negative for corona and, even better, have been adequately isolated from the general community. Also noting that a very very small fraction of those directly involved in League are high-risk - players certainly don't have heart disease or cancer, and apart from Wayne Bennett, there's very few people over 65.

They are talking about player welfare being paramount, and that absolute piece of crap Hooper must have used the word 26 times on Friday night, by way of basically saying nothing at all as Foxtels "Chief Rugby League reporter". Of course player welfare counts the most, but I'd actually be more worried about any older workers, or retirees volunteering - those are the people really at risk, and they aren't mandatory for the NRL to keep running, I don't believe.

So why should an domestic competition be cancelled when ZERO other businesses are being forced to do the same? NRL is a business, same as any other, except lots of folks observe the business on weekends.

NZ Warriors situation alone makes it untenable I think. It's a very large expectation to have them holed up in Australia for who knows how long to see out what could be a long period. Then, if the Warriors are out I don't see how we could really continue the competition, unless without them, but I can't see that working. I mean maybe it could work, but it would be an odd situation - would throw scheduling out the window among a host of other things.

The way they Warriors are going they are a BYE anyway

 

[Sco77y]

I know it started as a joke but I'm glad the topic was raised. I saw Peter Fitz, always in need of propelling his opinion in all directions, saying NRL and AFL should cancel their seasons because it puts people at risk.

I'm not clear how footballers tackling each other on a field with no spectators is any more risk than catching the train to work or going to the shops? Assuming of course that the footballers have tested negative for corona and, even better, have been adequately isolated from the general community. Also noting that a very very small fraction of those directly involved in League are high-risk - players certainly don't have heart disease or cancer, and apart from Wayne Bennett, there's very few people over 65.

They are talking about player welfare being paramount, and that absolute piece of crap Hooper must have used the word 26 times on Friday night, by way of basically saying nothing at all as Foxtels "Chief Rugby League reporter". Of course player welfare counts the most, but I'd actually be more worried about any older workers, or retirees volunteering - those are the people really at risk, and they aren't mandatory for the NRL to keep running, I don't believe.

So why should an domestic competition be cancelled when ZERO other businesses are being forced to do the same? NRL is a business, same as any other, except lots of folks observe the business on weekends.

NZ Warriors situation alone makes it untenable I think. It's a very large expectation to have them holed up in Australia for who knows how long to see out what could be a long period. Then, if the Warriors are out I don't see how we could really continue the competition, unless without them, but I can't see that working. I mean maybe it could work, but it would be an odd situation - would throw scheduling out the window among a host of other things.

The way they Warriors are going they are a BYE anyway

Haha true. I think Kearney would be hoping for a cancellation.

 

[Mighty_Tiger]

This going to last for months
They may as well get as much revenue out of it as they can

Haven’t seen other business close down yet. Haven’t seen public transport, shopping centres, cinemas or schools close down either.

Have a higher chance of getting crook there than on the footy field.

Reason why Smith/Morgan/Bennett say no is because they have to travel or stay away from their family for extended period - same as the warriors.

 

[earl]

I don't want them to close the season down now but I don't think they will have much of a choice especially if 14 day self-isolation policies are enacted for anyone in contact with someone who becomes infected. If they can somehow change that policy to exclude footy players than the season may go ahead.

We also have to worry about player welfare. If a player gets this bad and dies (unlikely but it could happen) there would be an outcry.

 

[hammertime]

So, the only way would be to isolate them remotely. But then, that means taking them away from their family (or if they come with, then partners giving up their livelihoods and potentially care of elderly family members).

Can you imagine Benji being away from his son? or Zoe giving up her work in the media to join Benji?

That would be the only option. But that is a BIG ask for every player and family member in the NRL to agree to that.

You shouldn't force people to be away from their families but you can give them the option. They can decide to participate or not, and get paid or not.

Clearly most will prefer not to be separated but these are highly unusual circumstances. The players make significant sums of money and MAY need to make some sacrifices to ensure that continues.

It's not like they would be the first people to do this. FIFO people do it all the time and thousands of Navy sailors regularly go away for 6-9 month deployments. The original Kangaroo/Ashes tours used to go for months.

If I was a footballer and had to spend a month away from my family to ensure the continuation of the game I'd do it. I wouldn't be happy about it, but the bigger picture is guaranteeing massive incomes into the future.

The only problem is you basically need every player to agree to that. Otherwise, teams become lopsided and it becomes a bit of a mickey mouse competition.

As I said, as an example, I can't see Benji being away from his son and wife for that long. He's not getting paid much and is close to retirement. Why would he do that?

We're not talking about a month here either. This could last all through the winter.

 

[jirskyr]

They certainly would be at higher risk if there is someone who does have the virus as there is blood, sweat and close contact throughout the game.

I'd argue the risk is actually smaller compared to going out in public right now.

Yes you are tackling people. But there are only 450 footballers. 450 people who need to be virus-free or isolated. If I catch the train today, I will share a close space with thousands of people. I cannot guarantee that they are sufficiently isolated, sufficiently socially distant, sufficiently following hygiene protocols. I try not to touch railings or street crossing buttons. I try to bring my own lunch and not stand in a cafe waiting for a sandwich. But I'm still at risk from thousands and thousands of other people, not just to my physical person at that specific time, but all the objects they've touched and handled, all the people they may have touched or coughed near during the course of their day.

My daughter went to school today with 450 other kids. Those kids aren't going to touch each other, cough on each other? Tackling a dude or shaking hands with someone - both transmission risks.

 

[Coastie_Tiger]

I think its inevitable the season will be cancelled we wont peak here for another 2 months and if they flatten the curve like we all hope they will it will be another 2-3 months before things get to some sense of relative normality. I think if the government had acted earlier we may have been in a better position, but in the current landscape sport in general in very low on the totem pole. The warriors situation is untenable they have come out and said they dont want to be here away from family which is understandable. If we were almost through our season like the A-league are we could probably get it done but footy players are people too they have families, kids elderly parent grand parents ect they wont want them at risk.

 

[jirskyr]

We also have to worry about player welfare. If a player gets this bad and dies (unlikely but it could happen) there would be an outcry.

There would be an outcry, but honestly what's the difference in "welfare obligations" between a player getting ill and someone in a nursing home? Player at very low risk of long-term injury from coronavirus. Very small pool of potential opponents to catch coronavirus from.

There's a blood bin right now in the NRL, but they don't rush players off the field if they are bleeding. What about the welfare of other blood-borne illnesses in regular rugby league matches? Do we know for a fact that 100% of rugby league players don't have HIV or hepatitis? That's low risk high issue, vs coronavirus which is high risk low issue.

Where is the outcry for the 5 deceased elderly in Australia to date, basically all from nursing home? Why aren't nursing homes in lockdown and all elderly workers subject to screening and isolation procedures? Far far worse risk IMO than NRL footballers.

If the footballers themselves don't want to play, that's another matter entirely. But, no play no wage - same issue basically everyone is facing and the same reason the government aren't stopping people from going to work or school today.

 

[Strider]

If the NRL won't survive being our for 3 months, then it won't survive. The season won't be back in that time.

 

[Cairnstigers]

Bring back Balmain, Western Suburbs, Newtown, North Sydney, and cut Brisbane Nth Qld, Warriors and Melbourne.
Back to the good old days

Balmain can play out of Leichhardt oval and Wests out of Cambltown
Players can get a real job and train weekday nights and play football weekends for smaller contracts
Let players get private sponcership
Ahh yeah
Back to the good old days