CLANCY OVERELL | Editor | CONTACT
Not even two weeks after The Betoota Advocate reported on the unconfirmed plans to quarantine the entire NRL on Stradbroke Island until the COVID-19 Pandemic is brought under control – it now seems that neighbouring Queensland holiday hotspot of Moreton Island is actually being considered.
If reports are true, rugby league fans could soon see all 480 NRL players housed on Tangalooma Island Resort on Moreton to isolate every player and official in a bid to re-start the 2020 NRL season.
It’s these last ditch efforts to save the code and clubs from financial collapse that has seen the rugby league executives using their imagination.
David James, the manager of the Tangalooma, has told Fox Sports that the complex on Moreton Island could fit up to 1,500 guests – more than enough for the estimated 500 or so players and staff.
The resort’s air strip and rolling greens would be adapted to accommodate training sessions under the proposal, while players would be ferried to the mainland on private boats to Redcliffe, Brisbane and the Gold Cost – on then on buses to and from locked-down stadiums on match days.
As glorious as this proposal sounds, aside from the logistical hurdles and time away from family – another speed bump would be the safety of the resort staff.
We spoke to Todd Greenberg about his plans to ensure civilians are not taken out in the collateral of league island.
“We have two options here” said CEO Greenberg.
“If we were to go ahead with the LEAGUE ISLAND concept… We’d have to ensure the resort that their staff would be able to feel safe after sun down”
“Either we make it a completely dry island and pour all the grog into the sand… Or we keep the grog flowing and we’ll pay for a full fit out of Moreton Island’s defunct World War II bomb shelters and bunkers.”
“These bunkers were built to protect the Islanders from the Japanese Empire, so we are fairly certain they are strong enough to save their on-Island staff members from a half-pissed Dylan Napa who wants to play tiggy”
“Either way, we will ensure their safety from appearing on Josh Addo-Carr’s TikToks.
Speaking to the Betoota Advocate, Melbourne Storm captain and unofficial boss of the NRL Cameron Smith said as a bloke who used to holiday at Moreton as a young fella – he doesn’t mind the idea of putting a few piss wrecks amongst the ship wrecks.
“As long as I get my own room” he said.
“Also, it would be pretty mad if we could do Beach Origin”
