The NRL game between Cronulla and North Queensland will be played in Sydney, instead of the Sunshine Coast, due to COVID-19 concerns in south-east Queensland.
The Round 4 clash is set to be contested at Kogarah on Saturday, after several cases were reported in the south-east and Greater Brisbane was placed in a three-day lockdown. There are also restrictions around the state.
More than 5700 ticket holders will get a full refund and will be contacted by Ticketek.
Sunshine Coast Stadium operations manager Simon Ball said it was disappointing fans wouldn’t be able to catch the action at Bokarina.
“It’s certainly sad news, for the second time,” he said.
The Sharks were scheduled to collide with the Cowboys at the stadium last year but it was cancelled due to the impact of COVID-19.
The Sharks are also due to play at Kawana next year.
“Hopefully, third time lucky,” Mr Ball said.
Meanwhile, the Rabbitohs and Warriors are due to meet at the venue, in July.
“Not all is lost and hopefully we can get that one off the ground,” Mr Ball said.
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There were only 336 tickets left when it was announced the game would be relocated to Sydney, while stadium workers were in the final stages of preparing to host the match when the call was made.
“We’ll start taking it (seating) down,” Mr Ball said.
“We support the NRL’s decision. You’ve got to make sure you keep the officials and players safe, but most of all the community.
“And we want to keep footy on the park, we all love our entertainment, so we support their decision.”
Sharks CEO Dino Mezzatesta said it was a shame the team would not be able to play at Kawana this weekend.
“It is extremely disappointing that for the second year in a row there has been a forced to cancelation of our Sunshine Coast game,” he said.
“We were very much looking forward to giving our members a different experience in Queensland, while also showcasing the Sharks to a regional audience.
“But that being said, we understand and support the NRL’s decision to relocate games, with the health and safety of our players, staff and fans of paramount importance.”
The Gold Coast Titans match with the Raiders is also set to be played at Kogarah, instead of the Gold Coast. The two games will form a double-header, with the Sharks and Cowboys to collide at 4.15pm.
The Brisbane Broncos will clash with the Storm in Melbourne.
The NRL re-arranged the matches, determined to see the round through safely.
“Our priority is ensuring all matches proceed this weekend,” NRL boss Andrew Abdo said.
“While the infection rates in south-east Queensland are positive today, the risk of further outbreaks emerging between now and Saturday exists,” he said.
“By confirming the relocation of games today all clubs, players and fans have certainty to plan for the weekend’s fixtures and as a game we eliminate the risk around whether those matches will take place.”
The NRL this week placed restrictions on its players and officials.
All NRL players and staffer were placed under restriction protocols including temperature checks at grounds and training, a ban on using public transport, and the mandatory wearing of masks indoors when they can’t socially distance.
