Season 2020 Fan Information and FAQs

The NRL understands our fans have plenty of questions regarding COVID-19 and the impact it is having on our game. To help try and answer some of those we have created this central information page.

Resumption of the Telstra Premiership 2020

The NRL Telstra Premiership recommenced as a 20-round competition on May 28 with the Grand Final to be played on October 25.

Highlights of the resumed competition draw include:

Key rivalries such as Broncos-Cowboys, Roosters-Rabbitohs, Dragons-Roosters, Eels-Wests Tigers, Storm-Sea Eagles, Eels-Bulldogs, Dragons-Sharks and Eels-Panthers featuring twice across the full season;

The Grand Final re-match between Sydney Roosters and Canberra Raiders on Thursday night in Round 10;

The traditional ANZAC match between St George Illawarra Dragons and Sydney Roosters will now be played on Thursday, August 6 (in Round 13) – the anniversary of the Battle of Lone Pine;

A bumper final round which will include Broncos-Cowboys, Rabbitohs-Roosters and Wests Tigers-Eels.

Full Premiership Draw

What happens to the ladder?

The first two rounds of the competition will be counted and the current competition ladder remains in place when games resume.

Full Premiership Ladder

Where will games be played?

When the competition resumed on May 28, six venues were selected for use - Bankwest Stadium, Campbelltown Stadium, Central Coast Stadium, Suncorp Stadium, QCB Stadium and AAMI Park, with no crowds able to attend.

The venues were selected on a range of factors including those best equipped to meet the NRL’s strict biosecurity protocols which have been formulated to keep players, staff and the general community healthy. Other factors included geographic location, rectangular rather than oval stadiums and commercial considerations.

While these venues were used up until Round 7, The Australian Rugby League Commission announced it has given approval to allow clubs to return to their standard home venues from Round 8 of the 2020 NRL Telstra Premiership, subject to government directives and restrictions. The decision to end phase one of the National Rugby League’s (NRL) consolidated venue strategy means clubs will be allowed to play at their venue of choice from July 2, 2020

For specific information regarding your Club, please head to the Club’s website.

What is changing?

For the remainder of the 2020 season, the Telstra Premiership will use one on-field referee and introduce six more tackles rather than a penalty stoppage for ruck infringements.

Referees will retain the right to issue a full penalty and place players in the sin bin for persistent ruck infringements and professional fouls.

Under the changes, the referee will be given the ability to deal with ruck infringements without interrupting the flow of the game by awarding six more tackles rather than a stoppage for a penalty.

Changes to the refereeing model will include full time referees being used as touch judges to provide more experience to sideline officiating. Currently, the touch judges are employed on a part time basis. This will ensure three experienced first grade referees will be on the field at all times.

Will we be able to attend games in 2020?

The NRL will base any decisions regarding spectator attendance on the latest advice from experts and by working closely with our State and Federal government partners.

In mid-June, the Australian Rugby League Commission announced it has given approval to allow clubs to return to their standard home venues in Round 8 of the 2020 NRL Telstra Premiership.

The decision to end phase one of the National Rugby League’s (NRL) consolidated venue strategy means clubs will be allowed to play at their venue of choice from July 2, 2020 with capped crowds in NSW, Queensland and ACT. The application for Victoria is currently under consideration.

Crowds will be permitted at games in NSW and QLD, from Round 8 which commences on July 2, provided they are capped at the lesser of 25% of capacity or 10,000 fans.

Please note that due to the current NSW Government requirements, spectators who reside in Victoria, (or other COVID hotspots) or have been to Victoria (and other COVID hotspots) in the last 14 days will not be permitted access to any NRL games in NSW.

Crowds have already started to return to some venues in a phased approach and subject to government directives and social distancing restrictions. For Club and game specific information, please contact your Club.

Suspension of the Telstra Premiership 2020

Why was the NRL Telstra Premiership suspended?

On March 23 the NRL took the unprecedented step of suspending the season due to the global coronavirus pandemic. In response to government medical advice and travel bans the NRL was unable to continue the competition. We continued for as long as it was safe to do so for our players, staff and the wider rugby league community.

What does this mean for the future of my club?

These are challenging times for all 16 clubs and is the biggest financial crisis the game has ever faced. All Clubs, and the NRL, will introduce cost cutting programs. Sadly, this means staff across the Clubs and the NRL will take extended leave or be stood down for a period of time.

Support Your Club

Magic Round Brisbane 2020 cancellation FAQ’s

Why has Magic Round been cancelled?

The decision to cancel the May event followed the announcement that the NRL Telstra Premiership would be suspended due to the COVID-19 public health crisis.

At the time of the announcement the health situation was worsening, and the advice from government health officials and biosecurity experts was that the lock-down measures including travel restrictions to Queensland, and restrictions on mass gatherings, would continue for an extended period. The NRL had no option but to cancel Magic Round Brisbane in 2020.

Will Magic Round return to Brisbane in 2021?

The NRL partnership with The Queensland Government, Tourism Events Queensland, and Brisbane Marketing continues into 2021. The NRL is committed to bringing back Magic Round Brisbane in 2021 and making it bigger and better than 2019.

What happens to Round 8 in 2020?

Whilst the Magic Round Brisbane ‘event’ has been cancelled in 2020, with the Telstra Premiership season resumption on May 28, Round 8 is part of the updated schedule, although the original match-ups have changed

I bought my ticket through Ticketek. Will I get a refund for my ticket and how will the refund process work?

All purchased tickets (1 day, 3 day and multi-event passes) should have received a full refund.

Tickets purchased by credit or debit card have been refunded in full (including ticket insurance premium and refundable ticket purchase, if relevant) and patrons do not need to take any action. Patrons should allow approximately 20 working days for the refund to appear in their account.

If your credit or debit card has been permanently closed/cancelled or the card has expired, please supply us with updated bank details here in order to process your refund.

If you do not provide correct details, we will be unable to refund your tickets.

I am an NRL Travel package customer. Will I get a refund for my NRL Travel package and how will the refund process work?

All purchased NRL Travel Packages will receive a full refund.

You will receive an email communication from NRL Travel Customer Service. Please review that email carefully and reply directly to the email or calling 1300 675 885.

I bought my event ticket and flight and/or hotel through NRL Travel. Will I get a refund for my match ticket and flight and/or hotel?

All purchased tickets will receive a full refund. You will receive an email communication from NRL Travel Customer Service. Please review that email carefully and reply directly to the email or calling 1300 675 885.

Please contact NRL Travel directly to make changes any flight and/or hotel bookings made through NRLTravel.com

I bought my flight and/or hotel through an airline or other travel agent. Will I get a refund for my flight and/or hotel?

If you have a flight booked direct with an airline we would advise that you check your airline’s current Terms and Conditions, specifically those relating to travel affected by government regulations being enforced due to the COVID-19 virus. If your flights and/or hotel were booked through a travel agency or third-party website, please contact these companies directly to make changes to your booking.

I purchased a ticket(s) via the NRL Google Form or I am a Travel Agent. Am I still entitled to a ticket refund?

As you have purchased a ticket/s via our internal ticket request form we are able to arrange your refund directly.

Paid via Credit/Debit Card

Tickets purchased by credit or debit card will be refunded in full and you do not need to take any action. Please allow approximately 20 working days for the refund to appear in your account.

If your credit or debit card has been permanently closed/cancelled or the card has expired, please supply us with the below details in order for us to process your refund.

Bank Name:

Account Name:

Account Number:

BSB:

If you do not provide correct details, we will be unable to refund your tickets.

Paid via Invoice

For tickets purchased by an Invoice that was paid directly to the NRL please supply us with the below details in order for us to process your refund.

Bank Name:

Account Name:

Account Number:

BSB:

If you do not provide correct details, we will be unable to refund your tickets.

I purchased a hospitality package through the NRL Hospitality team to attend Magic Round Brisbane in 2020. What happens now?

We would like to ensure that you are personally contacted in relation to the specific booking you have made for this event. By now you would have received an email advising that we will give you a call by no later than COB Monday 30th March, 2020 to discuss the next steps in relation to your booking.

I purchased a hospitality package through another NRL Official Hospitality agent (not the NRL, i.e. Dynamic Sports Marketing, Matchpoint, TEG Live or an NRL Club) to attend Magic Round Brisbane in 2020. What happens now?

The agent that you purchased the hospitality package from will give you a call by no later than COB Monday 30th March, 2020 to discuss the next steps in relation to your booking.

State of Origin Series 2020

Why has the State of Origin Series 2020 been postponed?

The decision to postpone the State of Origin Series was in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The decision followed the announcement that the NRL Telstra Premiership season was scheduled to resume on 28 May 2020 for 18 weeks, followed by a Finals Series and Grand Final, which is scheduled to be held on 25 October 2020.

Where and when will State of Origin take place in 2020?

The Men’s and Women’s State of Origin will take place after the conclusion of the 2020 NRL Telstra Premiership season. The dates & venues have now been confirmed as follows:

Game I – Wednesday 4th November 2020, Adelaide Oval

Game II - Wednesday 11th November 2020, ANZ Stadium

Game III - Wednesday 18th November 2020, Suncorp Stadium

Women’s SOO – Friday 13th November 2020, Sunshine Coast Stadium

Whilst the dates and venues for each of the 4 games have now been confirmed, discussions are ongoing with our Government and venue partners to finalise a decision on the total crowd capacity at each match to ensure we adhere to social distancing guidelines.

I bought my ticket through Ticketek. What happens to my ticket/s?

At this time your ticket purchase for the original date will be honoured for the rescheduled date, however the NRL may be required to implement additional conditions subject to COVID-19 Government restrictions.

The NRL and Ticketek will be in contact with you to provide details of how to gain a full refund should you not be able to attend the new date. If you are yet to receive this email, please submit an enquiry to the Ticketek website.

By not requesting a refund you accept the updated Entry Terms and Conditions of the relevant venue.

What happens if I am interstate? Can I still travel to attend?

It is your responsibility to ensure you comply with the strict border measures that may restrict your entry into each state.

The NRL encourages all customers to review the travel advise on the relevant Government websites.

Will there be an opportunity to purchase any tickets to the State of Origin series?

At this point in time, Game I in Adelaide is at capacity.

Tickets for Game II in Sydney, Game III in Brisbane and Women’s State of Origin will be released closer to the event date.

If I do attend, what will the venue do to minimise the risk of COVID-19

Under Public Health Orders, each venue has developed a COVID-19 Safety Plan to ensure they maintain a safe environment for workers and customers. The NRL will work closely with each venue to implement these plans.

I am an NRL Travel package customer. Will I get a refund for my NRL Travel package and how will the refund process work?

All customers who bought an NRL Travel Package have been provided a choice of:

A credit note to use against a future NRL Travel Package booking; or Requesting a refund

You will have already received an email communication from NRL Travel Customer Service. Please review that email carefully and reply directly to the email or calling 1300 675 885.

I bought my event ticket and flight and/or hotel through NRL Travel. Will I get a refund for my match ticket and flight and/or hotel?

All purchased tickets will receive a full refund on the ticket as part of your overall NRL Travel purchase. You will have already received an email communication from NRL Travel Customer Service. Please review that email carefully and reply directly to the email or calling 1300 675 885.

Please contact NRL Travel directly to make changes to any flight and/or hotel bookings made through NRLTravel.com

I bought my flight and/or hotel through an airline or other travel agent. Will I get a refund for my flight and/or hotel?

If you have a flight booked directly with an airline we would advise that you check your airline’s current Terms and Conditions, specifically those relating to travel affected by government regulations being enforced due to the COVID-19 virus. If your flights and/or hotel were booked through a travel agency or third-party website, please contact these companies directly to make changes to your booking.

I purchased a ticket(s) via the NRL Google Form or I am a Travel Agent. Am I still entitled to a ticket refund?

At this time your ticket purchase for the original date will be honoured for the rescheduled date. We will be in touch in the coming days to you and provide details of how to gain a refund should you not be able to attend the new date.

I purchased an NRL Hospitality package through the NRL Hospitality team to one or more games for the State of Origin Series 2020. What happens now?

Our priority is to ensure that all clients who booked via the NRL’s Hospitality team have been made aware of this latest announcement. To ensure this happens by now you will have received a personalised email notifying you of this latest update & advising that we will be in touch with you in the coming days in relation to your booking. It is also important to note that at each venue Corporate Hospitality areas are managed differently to general ticketing areas. As a result, the way in which we need to assist you with your booking is different to that of a general ticket purchaser, something we will discuss this with you when we are in touch in the coming days.

I purchased an NRL Hospitality package through another NRL Official Hospitality agent (not the NRL, i.e. International Premier Events, Dynamic Sports Marketing, Matchpoint, TEG Live, Adelaide Oval or an NRL Club) to attend one or more games for the State of Origin Series 2020. What happens now?

The official agent that you purchased the hospitality package from has been updated on this latest announcement & may contact you in the coming days to ensure you are aware of this information. Please be aware that as you have purchased directly from an official agent, the NRL is unable to advise options that may be available to you regarding your booking, this must be discussed with the official agent from whom your package has been purchased.

Telstra Premiership Grand Final 2020 postponement

Why has the NRL Telstra Premiership Grand Final 2020 been postponed?

The decision to postpone the NRL Telstra Premiership Grand Final follows the announcement on 28 April 2020 that the NRL Telstra Premiership season is scheduled to resume on 28 May 2020 for 18 weeks, followed by a Finals Series and Grand Final, which is scheduled to be held on 25 October 2020.

The NRL understand that these changes to the schedule will impact many but hope the community will understand that the public health and safety issues caused by the coronavirus must take priority at this time. The NRL’s primary concern is to protect the health and safety of our players and fans.

When will the NRL Telstra Premiership Grand Final take place in 2020?

The postponed NRL Telstra Premiership Grand Final is scheduled to be held on 25 October 2020.

Where will the NRL Telstra Premiership Grand Final take place in 2020?

The venue for the postponed NRL Telstra Premiership Grand Final is yet to be determined. The NRL will provide clarity on the location as soon as possible.

I bought my ticket through Ticketek. Will I get a refund for my ticket and how will the refund process work?

Once the new date is confirmed Ticketek will communicate to you and provide details of how to gain a refund should you not be able to attend the new date.

I bought my flight and/or hotel through an airline or travel agent. Will I get a refund for my flight and/or hotel?

If you have a flight booked direct with an airline we would advise that you check your airline’s current Terms and Conditions, specifically those relating to travel affected by government regulations being enforced due to the COVID-19 virus. If your flights and/or hotel were booked through a travel agency or third-party website, please contact these companies directly to make changes to your booking.

I purchased a hospitality package through the NRL Hospitality team to attend the NRL Telstra Premiership Grand Final 2020. What happens now?

We would like to ensure that you are personally contacted in relation to the specific booking you have made for this event. You will receive an email advising that we will give you a call to discuss this announcement in a more detail.

I purchased a hospitality package through another NRL Official Hospitality agent (not the NRL, i.e. Dynamic Sports Marketing, Matchpoint, TEG Live, ANZ Stadium or an NRL Club) to attend the NRL Telstra Premiership Grand Final 2020. What happens now?

The official agent that you purchased the hospitality package from has been updated on this latest announcement & may give you a call in the coming days to discuss this in more detail.

Content and Streaming Subscriptions

Where can we still get rugby league content?

The NRL is working with broadcasters (Channel Nine, Fox Sports and Sky Sports) around content while the competition is suspended. NRL.com will also be producing unique content while the competition is suspended. We understand that our supporters will still want to view Rugby League content and where possible we will help facilitate it. Player appearances in the media will still be encouraged through the self-isolation subject to precautions.

From last-minute thrillers to amazing comebacks we've combed the archive to bring you simply the best Classic Matches.

What will happen with my Telstra Live Pass or WatchNRL subscription?

For assistance with Telstra Live Pass, please contact Telstra CrowdSupport

For assistance with Watch NRL, the subscription-based international streaming service, you can submit this online form or email the Watch NRL team at watchnrl@foxsports.com.au.

Membership

With the 2020 Telstra Premiership suspended until further notice, the NRL appreciate that fans who have purchased membership packages for the 2020 season will be looking for more information.

Members are the backbone of all sixteen NRL clubs. We recognise the commitment our members make season-after-season and appreciate the support received so far this year. Your membership is integral to each club, its players and staff.

The NRL also recognises the importance of keeping our membership-base central to decision making as we grapple with the impact of COVID-19 pandemic, however the current situation is unprecedented and unpredictable. With various avenues for crowds returning still being considered, the NRL and all NRL clubs are working towards a solution that has Members at the forefront.

For now, we ask that our game’s most loyal supporters stay patient, continue to give their full support, and wait for further direction. Updates will have already been circulated by some clubs. Please ensure your contact details are up-to-date and keep an eye on the usual channels for updates to follow.

We look forward to seeing - and hearing - from members again as soon as possible. And remember that you can still stay connected and share your passion from at home through your membership packages.

Telstra Premiership Tickets and General Attendance

On March 23, the Telstra Premiership was suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic until it was safe for players and staff to return to normal play.

The NRL and Clubs are currently working with ticketing agents and the game’s other partners to provide refunds to fans that have purchased single-game tickets to games associated with the original 2020 draw.

For fans that have purchased a ticket for a game associated with the original 2020 draw, they will have received an email communication from Ticketek and/or Ticketmaster with any steps that are required to access refunds.

Corporate Hospitality

Fans who have purchased hospitality packages for Magic Round will be contacted directly by the NRL or Ticketek regarding how to obtain refunds.

For fans who have purchased corporate hospitality packages for other of this year’s major events such as Holden State of Origin and the Telstra Premiership Grand Final, we will be in touch with information once there is more information around the scheduling of these events.

For all NRL Events and Hospitality enquiries, please contact hospitality@nrl.com.au or review ticket purchase conditions for corporate hospitality packages.

Community Rugby League

The NRL, in partnership with State Governing Bodies, postponed community rugby league in Australia due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The postponement included all junior and senior community club rugby league competitions, training, gala days and future League Stars programs.

The decision to suspend community club rugby league was made after consultation with the state governing bodies to assist in slowing the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Community Rugby League is the foundation of our game and we are committed to seeing it flourish, however the health and well-being of our participants, volunteers and communities is our priority.

Whilst you can’t be in the stands or on the field right now, we can still hear you, we can still see you. Wear your colours, send your favourite player a message of support, and most importantly check in with your teammates.

The NRL will continue to meet with state governing bodies in relation to community rugby league. We look forward to our Community Rugby League participants returning to the game as soon as expert advice deems it appropriate.

To find more information, visit the Community Rugby League website.

Affiliated State Competitions

NSWRL

The NSWRL recently announced it was working towards a plan for Rugby League to re-start full contact training from 1 July and competitions from 18 July for junior and senior football in line with government and medical advice over the coronavirus crisis.

To read more, visit the NSWRL website.

QRL

QRL is working on the plan to re-start full contact training and junior and senior competitions throughout July. Plans will differ per Division and participants are urged to get in contact with the club or association for further information.

To read more, visit the QRL website.

Fantasy

Covid changes: last update 25 May 2020

Status (Classic)

The NRL Fantasy season is scheduled to recommence in line with the actual season restart, currently scheduled on Thursday, 28 May.

To align to the expected 20-round NRL season, there will be some alterations to NRL Fantasy conditions in classic mode. These are:

Total trades reduced to 28, with any previously made trades for Round 2 counting within this total (i.e. if you made two trades between Rounds 1 & 2 your total trades on resumption will be 26).

Max 2 trades per round applies to all rounds except Rounds 3 & 4, when users will have max 4 trades.

These updates are now implemented.

Any further updates on this will be posted on this page, within the product Notice Board, sent via email and also posted to the social channels.

Draft Status

The Draft fantasy game remains suspended between Rounds 2 & 3 with team-to-team trading, waiver wire and RFA trades continuing under the rules of your individual league(s).

Fixtures

The updated fixtures for the new 20-round season have now been made.

Leagues

As the competition, had officially begun in standard advertised format, your Fantasy scoring and the associated league ladders and rankings remain unaffected, but we have realigned your league’s match-ups accordingly (e.g. the last round(s) of the regular season will align to your head-to-head Fantasy league finals series) such that your league Grand Final corresponds to Round 20.

Trades

Now the game updates have been made, the game continues in pre-Round 3 state and you can continue to interact as if the new round is imminent. You have a maximum of four(4) trades in the upcoming round (R3) and the following round (R4). After that the number of trades reverts to the usual max of two(2).

Please double-check that the update has not reversed or lost any trades you had made to your squad(s) during the period of unknown suspension between Rounds 2 and 3.

Prizes

We remain committed to fulfilling our prizes. All set prizing for the rounds already played has been awarded and winners have been contacted by email.

If you think you may have won a weekly prize in Rounds 1 or 2, please check out the Prizes page in the Help section to confirm it or search for our email in your registered email inbox.

We will make further announcement(s) about prizes should we need to. Our intention is to award all the advertised prizes, adjusted for a reduced season.

Coach subscribers

Four-week Coach subscriptions were suspended on 1 April, but access to the data remained. We will restart this subs processing once the NRL season has recommenced.

Season pass holders have also had ongoing access to Coach data and remain unaffected.

Dual-position players

In line with the reduced season the dual-position player update scheduled for Round 18 will NOT be made, meaning there are two more DPP update due after Rounds 6 and 12.

Casualty and judiciary

We will attempt to keep casualty, judiciary and other relevant updates current, but there may be some lag time with this information. To keep up to date with the latest Fantasy updates view the news page.

Note: The default condition of a player who has left the NRL during the Covid suspension = casualty, whilst the default for a stand down (e.g. not undertaking the compulsory vaccination) = judiciary.

Questions

Reach out via the Contact Us page in the Help section.

Tipping

Status

The 2020 NRL Tipping season has now been updated to implement the fixtures for the new 20-round NRL season including the full Final Series. Note: State of Origin fixtures are now not included. WNRL fixtures should still be included in the 2020 NRL Tipping competition at a later date

The Streak competition will now run between Rounds 5 and 20.

Competitions

As the NRL Tipping competition had officially begun your tipping points and the associated public/private competition ladders and rankings remain unaffected. You can still manage your competitions and check your competition results as normal.

Prizes

We remain committed to fulfilling our prizes. All set prizing for the rounds already played has been awarded and winners have been contacted. If you think you may have won a weekly prize in Rounds 1 or 2, please check out the Prizes page in the Help section to confirm it or search for our email in your registered email inbox.

We will make a further announcements about prizes should we need to (i.e. if the GF has to run crowd-free).

iOS App Update

The NRL Tipping apps now have the updated fixtures so you can make your tips, however they no not include the change to start Streak in Round 5. This change has been made in an app update. Please update the Tipping app ASAP.The Android app update is now available to download. The updated iOS app is still in review with Apple but will be in store ASAP. We will send you notification(s) to remind you to do this.

Please also note that iOS users accessing NRL Tipping from outside of Australia and New Zealand via the iOS app are now restricted from downloading due to Apple policy. Your currently downloaded app should continue to work with the updated fixture set, however, you will not be able to access the important update that adjusts the Streak competition. We apologise for this situation which is out of our control, and direct you to use the mobile web version of NRL Tipping where required. It is available at the Tipping website (tipping.nrl.com). It works just as well as the app, but moves a little slower.

Ladder Predictor

Status

The Ladder Predictor fixtures are updated. All previously made predictions have been removed.

Ladder Predictor