ERROL PARKER | Editor-at-large | Contact
Despite growing pressure to put the 2020 NRL season on ice, the game’s ringleader has met health authorities in the middle in an effort to limit player contact.
Todd Greenberg, the nation’s most competent sports administrator, told reporters this morning that footy as they know it will go-ahead for the time being but the players will adopt OzTag rules to make sure they don’t get too close to each other.
“At the moment, we’re pushing ahead,” said Mr Greenberg.
“That’s subject to change but I’ve got a lot of pressure from the Prime Minister’s Office to keep this show on the road,”
“The players will be out there playing OzTag instead of the usual explosive full-contact rugby league we’ve all grown to love and respect. While this might disappoint fans, it’s what needed to happen to keep footy on the paddock for you three nights out of seven. If anyone has a problem with that, come down to Moore Park and knock on my door.”
Players and spectators reacted to the news with understanding shrugs and playful shoves, followed by nervous teen-like laughter.
A players association representative said, “it’s not like we can do anything about it so we might as well get on with the job at hand,” which was enough to satisfy this masthead’s need for comment.
More to come.
