Aussies look set to pass on Ashes Tests

This year's Ashes Test series seems unlikely to go ahead after the Australian Grand Final was put back three weeks to Sunday, October 25.
Tottenham Hotspuir Stadium, schdueld venue for the third Ashes Test. Picture by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images.Tottenham Hotspuir Stadium, schdueld venue for the third Ashes Test. Picture by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images.
Tottenham Hotspuir Stadium, schdueld venue for the third Ashes Test. Picture by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images.

The Kangaroos are due to face England in a three-game campaign beginning at University of Bolton Stadium less than a week later, on Saturday, October 31.

Elland Road, in Leeds, is scheduled to stage the second Test on Saturday, November 7, with the final game at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday November 14.

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The Australian NRL season was halted - due to the coronavirus pandemic - last month with just two rounds completed.

Gary Hetheringtoin. Picture by Bruce Rollinson.Gary Hetheringtoin. Picture by Bruce Rollinson.
Gary Hetheringtoin. Picture by Bruce Rollinson.

Teams are set to resume training on Monday, May 4, with a shortened 20-round competition beginning on May 28.

The two rounds already played will count towards the final standings.

The timing of the State of Origin series between New South Wales and Queensland has yet to be confirmed, but the three matches are expected to be played after the Grand Final.

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Betfred Super League has been shut down since the middle of March and is not expected to resume until at least June.

Clubs here are understood to be keen to stage a full 29-round season, as well as completing the Coral Challenge Cup, which Leeds Rhinos chief Gary Hetherington believes could mean the domestic season continuing into December.

An alternative suggestion is to move the Challenge Cup final back to the scheduled Grand Final date and venue, October 10 at Old Trafford, with the title decider being played at Tottenham instead of the third Test.

Whatever Super League decides, the prospects of the Kangaroos travelling to England look bleak.

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The NRL’s resumption was announced by Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V’landys following talks with broadcast partners and clubs.

New Zealand Warriors will be based in Australia, arriving in New South Wales on Sunday to begin 14 days’ quarantine.

The NRL say “strict protocols” will be imposed on players, club officials and staff to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

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