Immediate Departure Approved for Brisbane Broncos
The Brisbane Broncos have been given the green light to fly back to Brisbane immediately after their 2025 season opener against the Sydney Roosters on Thursday night. According to The Courier Mail, Queensland Premier David Crisafulli has approved the squad’s early return, following discussions with Broncos CEO Dave Donaghy. This decision comes in the wake of Cyclone Alfred, which is expected to make landfall in Queensland within the next 24 hours, bringing winds of up to 120km/h, heavy rainfall, and potential flash flooding.
Cyclone Alfred’s Impact on Travel and Match Schedules
Cyclone Alfred has caused significant disruptions, with hundreds of flights across South East Queensland and Northern NSW being postponed. Brisbane Airport has announced the suspension of all passenger flights, adding to the challenges faced by teams and supporters. The Broncos, originally scheduled to fly home at 8 AM on Friday, will now charter a flight from Sydney at 11 PM Thursday. After the match, which is expected to end just before 10 PM, the team will travel to Toowoomba and then be transported to their Red Hill headquarters via a two-hour bus journey. This logistical change aims to ensure the safety of the players and staff amid the approaching storm.
Controversy and Concerns Over Match Relocation
The NRL’s decision not to postpone opening round matches has raised concerns, especially in the context of the impending cyclone. The Dolphins were due to play the South Sydney Rabbitohs at Suncorp Stadium on Friday, but the match has been relocated to Accor Stadium in Sydney. Some Dolphins players, including Mark Nicholls, Kodi Nikorima, and Kenny Bromwich, chose to stay at home with their families, citing personal and familial reasons. This decision has sparked a debate about the balance between professional obligations and personal safety during natural disasters.
Coaches’ Perspectives on Match Relocation
The coaches of the South Sydney Rabbitohs and the Dolphins have expressed their views on the match relocation. Dolphins foundation coach Wayne Bennett and his apprentice Kristian Woolf, who is set to make his NRL coaching debut on Friday, believe that relocation was the best decision given the circumstances. Woolf emphasized the different personal circumstances of his players and the club’s support for those who chose to stay at home. He also noted the complexity of rescheduling the match, as the teams do not share a common bye weekend.
Personal and Emotional Responses to the NRL’s Decision
The personal and emotional impact of the NRL’s decision on players and their families has been significant. Bree Nikorima, the partner of Dolphins playmaker Kodi Nikorima, who is six months pregnant and has two young children, criticized the NRL’s move, calling it "disgusting" in a now-deleted Instagram post. Mark Nicholls was seen sandbagging his home in Redcliffe on Wednesday, highlighting the real and immediate threats faced by players and their families. Former Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett, while refusing to comment on his ex-players’ decisions, supported the NRL’s relocation choice, emphasizing the importance of the game to fans, TV stations, and other stakeholders.
Broader Implications and Conclusion
The situation surrounding the Brisbane Broncos and the broader NRL has brought to light the complexities and challenges of balancing professional commitments with personal safety during natural disasters. The AFL’s decision to postpone matches initially scheduled for Thursday and Saturday in southeast Queensland, and the postponement of the Brisbane Roar’s A-League Women game against Melbourne City, highlight the varying approaches taken by different sports organizations. As the Broncos prepare to return to Brisbane after their Thursday night match, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of all involved, while maintaining the integrity and spirit of the game.
