Premier clears path for kick off

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has cleared the way for the NRL’s much anticipated 2020 season to resume.

In a telephone hook up this afternoon, the Premier told NRL Chairman Peter V’Landys and the CEOs of the Broncos, Cowboys and Titans that they could resume training for a season re-opener on May 28.

“I said I was as keen as anyone else to see the NRL return and I meant it,” the Premier said.

“The only condition was that it did not put our excellent work containing the spread of COVID-19 at risk and the Chief Health Officer advises that the NRL plan is workable.”

Following examples of players breaking restrictions this week, the Premier demanded further assurances about enforcing home-quarantine measures that are a cornerstone of the NRL’s plan.

The NRL and Queensland Health Officer will have further discussions on those measures.

The Premier said the decision gives clubs permission to travel across the Queensland border to play because they are working and because they are in quarantine.

Importantly, it also allows Queensland players to remain in Queensland with their families.

“First round games will be played in Queensland and of course I put in a bid for a local grand final and we all look forward to hosting the State of Origin.”