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Government considering capped NRL crowds

3 minute read

NRL will welcome back some fans this weekend, however, discussions to open up the gates for a capped number of spectators are high on the agenda.

The federal government is considering "decreased capacity" for NRL games, according to deputy chief medical officer Dr Nick Coatsworth.

The NSW state government has already ticked off on corporate boxes, for one person per four square metres up to 50 people, being open from this weekend.

However, discussions have begun about opening up the grandstands, with ARL Commission chairman Peter V'landys aiming for a July 1 return for fans.

Dr Coatsworth said it would be easier to maintain social distancing in stadiums than protests, which were given the green light over the weekend.

"The important thing of course about the footy is you have a large number of people, like we saw on the weekend with the protests of course, coming together in different parts of the city and then dispersing into the city," Dr Coatsworth said on the Nine Network.

"You can be a little more controlled in a stadium than you can in a protest.

"That's an important thing to note, and we could consider going back to situations of decreased capacity in stadiums.

"Ultimately that's going to be a matter for states and territories, but it is something we are considering now.

"Hopefully within before the footy season finishes, that'll be good."

At this stage, only NSW venues have been given the green light to open up their corporate boxes with Queensland considering doing likewise.

There were some reports the AFL could allow fans into Queensland venues this weekend, however, that possibility has been shelved for at least one week.

"It won't be this weekend, but we have plans in currently with our chief health officer," Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said on Tuesday.

"We want to see crowds supporting their local football matches but also future netball games (and) sport across the board.

"We have to be measured and responsible and that's why the plans are currently with the chief health officer and once she ticks off those plans she'll get back to those organisations and we'll be able to make some public announcements."

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