MUCH remains to be worked through, but NRL fans, players and coaches can start to get excited.
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The competition is coming back.
Thursday, May 28 is shaping to be one of the most anticipated regular season dates in a long time, the night's match to mark the end of a 10-week hiatus due to the rapid spread of coronavirus.
By their own admission, the Australian Rugby League Commission is yet to settle on a firm plan for competition structure, whether players will be forced to live in bubbles and where games will be played.
But as commissioner Wayne Pearce said on Thursday, this is a start.
"It's a mark for everybody to work towards that's associated with the game," Pearce said.
"So we'll be working towards May 28."
With the rate of new infections slowing rapidly throughout the past week, the NRL is confident they will be able to avoid the use of a bubble scenario.
This came after a number of players, including Cameron Smith, expressed their concerns about the negative effects of being forced to live under such conditions.
With seven weeks between now and the resumption of play, Pearce is optimistic the coronavirus situation will continue to improve in that period.
"The landscape's changing significantly.
"If we go back a matter of only a few days, it was looking like we were going to have to go into an isolation bubble-type scenario.
"With support of the state government, who are doing a fantastic job in relation to bringing down infections, and the public that are supporting the government guidelines, the rate of increase of infections has come right down.
"That's been an asset as far as us being able to get up and playing again as soon as possible."
The Project Apollo committee led by Pearce to investigate a resumption of play has explored a number of options for a season structure, with a two-conference structure and 15-round season the leading contenders.
Broadcaster Nine, however, made a late push for a full 22-game season as part of an explosive day for the television network.
The rights-holder expressed their dismay at the NRL's handling of cash in recent years and their lack of input in the recent discussions around a return to play.
With further discussions still to take place regarding broadcast fees, Pearce said the committee is determined to protect the integrity of this year's premiership.
"Where we're leaning towards is we're leaning toward a competition structure that looks more aligned with what we've currently got.
"So not going to the conference scenario at the moment."
The NRL also confirmed State of Origin will be played in it's standard three-match format.
While some had floated the possibility of a three-game grand final series, this will not be occurring. The match will be played as per normal in Sydney.
ARLC chairman Peter V'landys said Thursday's announcement provides fans and clubs certainty and something to look forward to.
"The situation is changing dramatically and we need to get moving," V'landys said.
"It is in the best interests of our clubs, our players, our stakeholders and importantly our fans that the competition resumes as quickly and as safely as possible.
"We have said right from the start that what we say today may need to change tomorrow.
"We will be flexible, and if the trend changes or if government restrictions change then so will we.
"The health and safety of our players and the general public remains the absolute priority."
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Cameron Mee
Sports reporter at the Canberra Times
Sports reporter at the Canberra Times
