Australia's NRL aiming for May return as broadcaster Channel Nine launch scathing attack on league

NRL bosses in Australia have said they will resume the competition in seven weeks’ time on May 28.

The announcement from the Australian Rugby League Commission came after it was accused of squandering millions of dollars by host broadcaster Channel Nine.

The current season had been suspended after just two weeks because of the coronavirus pandemic and today ARLC commissioner Wayne Pearce ruled out splitting the league into a conference format.

But he said: “Today what we landed on was a starting date. We haven’t finalised what that competition looks like yet.”

Earlier, Channel Nine had issued a damning statement. It said: “This health crisis has highlighted the mismanagement of the code over many years.

“Nine has invested hundreds of millions in this game over decades and we now find they have profoundly wasted those funds with very little to fall back on to support the clubs, players and supporters.

"It would appear that much of that has been squandered by a bloated head office.”

Asked about that criticism, Pearce said: "(Nine are) a key partner for us and we intend to fulfil our contractual obligations.

"Hopefully we can maintain a working relationship that's going to work for both parties."

Later, ARLC chairman Peter V'landys was quoted as telling The Nine Network: "If there's been miscommunication and Channel Nine feel they haven't been part of the process, absolutely (I apologise).

"There's no doubt that the cost structure that's in place for the game at the moment is unsustainable, so that (criticism) is accurate."

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