The NRL has suspended its season indefinitely and told players to stop training as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
Desperate to play through the crisis, the league's hopes were dealt a severe blow yesterday afternoon when a pandemic expert told them it was no longer possible.
The suspension will come into effect immediately before round three, with the NRL still exploring options on when and how it can resume the competition.
NRL Chairman Peter V'landys said this decision has not been taken lightly but they have a world-renowned pandemic expert and they are very concerned at the rate of this infection.
He says they are going to look at every available option to them in the next week or so to how they can recommence the season.
He adds they have left the return date open and will probably make some announcements in the future.
The decision could have dire financial impacts on the league, with V'landys warning it could change the face of the NRL if the season is completely lost.
It is believed as much as $13 million could be lost from broadcasters for every round not played, or $500 million for the entire year.
However, the NRL is willing to play until as late as December 20, giving them around three months to return given split rounds and representative rounds could be manipulated.
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