Peter V’landys on receiving permission for the NRL’s return: ‘We could do it tomorrow if we wanted’

·

ARLC chairman Peter V’landys has hit back at NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard’s claims on Friday that he will need permission to resume the season. According to the Sydney Morning Herald, V’landys has claimed that the NRL has received appropriate permission and the NRL could resume “tomorrow if we wanted to”.

The NSW Health Minister said on Good Friday that he had not spoken to V’landys or chief executive Todd Greenberg for more than a month.

“I don’t think they are a law unto themselves,” Australia’s deputy chief medical officer, Paul Kelly, said. “Some of the players and coaches may think so, but they’re part of society and they have a part – as we have all done – to support not only safety for themselves but for all of us.

“They’re making their plans for the road out [of the suspension of sport] and I encourage them to do so in other sports. But whether May is the time will remain to be seen and definitely they’ll need to get some permission to do that.”

NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg and ARLC chairman Peter V’landys on Sunday. (Getty)

V’landy’s has disputed the medical officer’s comments, stating he is certain the NRL received written permission to resume in May from the NSW State Emergency Operations Centre.

Read More: Australian sport in disarray as the NRL 2020 season is cancelled and Australia pulls out of the Tokyo Olympics

Read More: Opinion: How the coronavirus outbreak will change the future of global sport

The Greek Australian ARLC chairman reportedly called Hazzard on Friday to remind him that the state public health orders signed last week do not stop sporting events from taking place.

“In reality we could do it tomorrow if we wanted to, but we’re not going to because we’re going to let the infection rate continue its stabilisation,” V’landy’s told the Sydney Morning Herald.

“What we have juggled is to make sure we are no threat to the community’s health by spreading the virus. But I can’t see how we spread the virus if the players who are going there are all negative and playing each other in a sterile situation when we know they’re all negative.”

ARLC Chairman Peter V’landys says the NRL already has government permission to restart the season in May.

The NRL told AAP while they hadn’t spoken to Hazzard directly, they had been in almost daily communication with the NSW government.

“The NRL has been in constant contact with Federal and State Governments throughout the COVID-19 pandemic including this week, and will continue to work closely with government in the weeks ahead,” an NRL spokesman said.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Socialist PASOK becomes Greece’s main opposition party as SYRIZA collapses

Left-wing Syriza party has lost its position as Greece's main opposition group after a wave of defections on Thursday, November 21.

80-year-old sole resident of Kinaros island gifted donkey as a companion

The sole resident of Greece's remote Kinaros island - 80-year-old Mrs Rinio - recently received an unexpected gift in the form of a donkey.

Thanasi Kokkinakis upset gives Australia shock Davis Cup win over US

A nail-biting win for Thanasi Kokkinakis has led Australia into the semi-finals of the Davis Cup in Spain.

Capturing legacies: The proika exhibition’s emotional tribute to Greek migrants

On Wednesday, November 20, the proika exhibition opened to a crowd of eager guests at the Thematikos x MBO Tailors creative space.

Golden Era Gala: A reunion with a cause to combat brain and rare cancers

White Pearl Foundation and Cquence Foundation have announced the Golden Era Gala to be held at the Hyatt Regency Sydney on November 30.

You May Also Like

Underwater museum in Alonissos recognised with prestigious European award

“Thessaly’s Underwater Museums prove that anything is possible through cooperation and a united front," governor of Thessaly Kostas Agorastos said.

On This Day in 1968: Greek architect, Dimitris Pikionis, passed away

Dimitris Pikionis was the man responsible for reshaping the area surrounding the Acropolis and the Filopappou Hill.

Mary Papanicolaou: The women whose daily testing laid the groundwork for cervical screening

Through swabbing and sampling, Mary Pananicolaou and her husband George are recognised for the development of the cervical screening test.