NRL supremo Peter V’landys has reassured fans that the worsening fuel crisis won’t damage the game as he promises the code can keep absorbing the cost hike that’s resulting from the war on Iran.
The Australian Rugby League Commission chairman spoke out after it was revealed that the AFL is considering offering supporters fuel discounts as soon as the Gather Round footy festival, which is being held in South Australia from April 9.
The NRL pays for the travel costs incurred by teams, which will be affected by the skyrocketing cost of fuel as the conflict in the Middle East remains ongoing.
‘Naturally we are monitoring the situation,’ V’landys told the Sydney Morning Herald.
‘We pick up the travel and accommodation expenses for teams, so we are absorbing any additional cost in that regard.
‘Additional costs we are facing are a fraction compared to additional expenses we incurred during Covid.
NRL boss Peter V’landys (pictured) has reassured fans that the game is well prepared for the effects of skyrocketing fuel prices as a result of the war in the Middle East
Supporters have been told the league is able to absorb the rising cost of travel for teams (pictured, Broncos star Reece Walsh on Saturday night)
V’landys said the NRL’s travel partners, like Qantas, have told the league they will be fine to keep flying – meaning players won’t have to be housed in Covid-like hubs
‘We have also been assured by our travel providers that they will be able to continue to service us.’
V’landys is likely referring to Qantas, as the airline is a major travel partner for the league.
Qantas has been hiking some airfares since early March in response to the crisis.
During the pandemic, the NRL and AFL were forced to house players in hubs at great expense as travel restrictions around Australia threatened to completely derail both codes.
The AFL has reportedly denied speculation that players could enter Covid-style hubs in one capital city to safeguard the game against skyrocketing fuel costs.
‘They (the AFL) are adamant they are not discussing hubs, it has not been discussed at any executive level,’ footy journalist Mitch Cleary told The Agenda Setters on Channel Seven.
‘But what they are looking at is ways they can subsidise and help fans get to and from games as early as Gather Round.
‘Everything’s on the table when it comes to (for example) memberships coming with fuel discounts, or ways they can help fans with carpools and buses to get to and from games – everything is on the table.
‘That is what the AFL is working with the clubs on, rather than any sort of hub discussion right here, right now.’
