NRL won't return until 2021, predicts Phil Gould

Rugby league broadcaster Phil Gould believes the NRL may not return until 2021.
George Williams on his Canberra debutGeorge Williams on his Canberra debut
George Williams on his Canberra debut

The competition was suspended yesterday because of the coronavirus pandemic.

They had played last weekend's games behind closed doors but changed their stance after taking expert advice - with Gould warning it may mark the end of the season and place some clubs' existences under threat.

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Speaking on Channel Nine, he said: "The question is what's going to determine they can resume playing?

"I can only think it's a vaccine, and there are no more dangers of spreading the infection. You think that's going to happen in a month? No chance in the world.

"You think it'll happen in six months? No chance in the world.

"So we're talking next year.

"And if the money stops between now and next year, I'm telling you (some) clubs won't survive."

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NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg believes the season will be completed this year.

"We've got scenarios that we might not start until much, much later in the season but we're still confident of getting a season away," Greenberg said.

"We cannot say with any certainty what the future holds, but the rugby league community as a whole will continue to work through this."

The chairman of the Australian Rugby League Commission, Peter V'landys, didn't sugarcoat the impact this postponement will have,

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"It's catastrophic, I don't think we've ever come across a financial crisis like it," he said.

"You can't understate it, it's probably the biggest challenge the game will ever face financially.

"Rugby league will always survive in some way but I can't guarantee it will in the same way. We're ready for the worst."

The NRL's decision impacts on a number of English players including former Warriors George Williams, Ryan Sutton and John Bateman, who are all at unbeaten Canberra.