The NRL's plan to reboot the 2020 season has been handed a major boost, with the federal government reportedly granting the New Zealand Warriors approval to enter the country ahead of the competition's resumption.
The NRL's bold move to have the season resumed on May 28th was facing one last major hurdle, with tightened international border laws between Australia and New Zealand raising questions over the Warriors ability to enter the country.
But according to Channel Nine reporter Danny Weidler, ARLC chairman Peter V'landys' application to federal border security authorities to have the Warriors exempt has been approved.
"Australian govt say New Zealand Warriors now allowed into the country," Weidler tweeted on Monday evening.
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"Next stage is get approval from NSW government to allow them to train whilst in isolation. Precedent for this was five replacement Warriors players being allowed to train earlier this year."
BREAKING: Australian govt say New Zealand Warriors now allowed into the country. Next stage is get approval from NSW government to allow them to train whilst in isolation. Precedent for this was five replacement Warriors players being allowed to train earlier this year @9NewsSyd
— Danny Weidler (@Danny_Weidler) April 27, 2020
V'landys and the NRL will now approach state government to gain approval for Stephen Kearney side to isolate and train in New South Wales, with the Sydney Morning Herald reporting the plan is to base the team in Tamworth.
If they're unable to be approved, players and staff will reportedly be forced to isolate in a hotel for the regulation 14 days upon arrival, meaning the competition's commencement could be delayed after all clubs agreed to start up training simultaneously.
The Warriors had reportedly grown frustrated in its communications with the NRL over a variety of issues relating to their relocation across the Tasman, with suggestions the club was eyeing May 3rd as their departure date.
They're approval is one of the final pieces of the puzzle for V'landys bold push to resume the competition in a month's time, with the competition's format the final factor to be finalised.
Following week-long negotiations with major broadcast partners Channel Nine and Foxtel, the length of the season, set be either a 17 or 20-round calendar, will be confirmed this week.
