AFL season postponed, NRL season continues

The NRL looks set to continue after the AFL announced a postponement to the Australian rules season today due to the coronavirus pandemic.

NRL, AFL and A-League matches have taken place behind closed doors over the past four days as the only remaining professional sporting competitions continuing in Australia.

The AFL announced this evening that the season has been postponed after one week of action and won't start up again until at least May 31. The AFL women's competition has also been cancelled for 2020.

Australia Rugby League Commission Chairman Peter V'landys however remains confident the NRL should be able to keep going.

Earlier today Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced all non-essential travel within the country should be cancelled but seemed hopeful about live sport.

Shortly after several Australian states announced borders would be shut.

The number of coronavirus cases in Australia is more than 1200 with seven deaths recorded.

"It should be remembered we're using private charter flights, we're not using normal domestic planes, so hopefully we'll be able to continue to travel even though there's a ban on non-essential travel on commercial airlines," V'landys told Triple M about the domestic travel ban.

"...as I said on Monday, this changes hourly and a decision we make today may change tomorrow. We've prepared for the worst, we've looked at every contingency and we're ready for whatever they throw at us.

"The longer we can go, the better it is. We are still receiving advice from the health authorities and our biosecurity and pandemic expert. By isolating the players, it outs them in a better position. There's less risk. I hope we don't have to suspend the season, it's imperative we play every game."

-nzherald.co.nz