Home games at risk

THE SP Hunters, who were scheduled to return yesterday, will now remain in Australia for their round-two clash with the Townsville Blackhawks due to the coronavirus pandemic.
PNG Rugby Football League chief executive Reatau Rau said the Hunters players and coaching staff would remain in Brisbane for the next seven days due to the Australian Government’s travel restrictions.
The Blackhawks match was scheduled to be the Hunters’ first home game but the restrictions will now see the Matthew Church-coach side play away pending weekly Queensland Rugby League assessments on the pandemic.
“We have been in consultation with the QRL and last night agreed for the team to remain in Brisbane for another week in line with the Australian Government’s directive,” Rau said.
He said the directive was that a 14-day self-isolation policy would apply to all travellers into Australia which became effective as of Sunday.
“This simply means that our team can’t leave and re-enter Australia without isolation,” Rau said.
“This would deem them ineligible to play games in the Intrust Super Cup competition while in isolation.”
He said QRL and the National Rugby League (NRL) had advised there would be no international travel for all players and staff.
“As a result, the NRL has taken this approach with the New Zealand Warriors,” Rau said. “Any changes, extensions and updates to this seven-day contingency plan will be made in the next 48 hours or as soon as possible.
“Our round-two fixture will now be played at Sunshine Coast Stadium on Saturday as a double-header with the Sunshine Coast Falcons-Tweed Heads Seagulls match behind closed doors.”
He said the team had relocated to Sports Hub Kawana on the Sunshine Coast for the next seven days.
“We are grateful to QRL for assisting and supporting our team with accommodation, meals and training field and gym facilities and athlete support services,” Rau said.
Church said from Brisbane yesterday that he was proud of the group deciding to stay and support the ISC.
“I think that is huge for the playing group and staff to put the competition ahead of everything else,” Church said.
“It’s an ever-changing environment, so I asked them to commit to seven days then make further decisions when further information comes to hand.”