Determined to be the last competition standing in the face of increasingly difficult circumstances, the NRL have reluctantly accepted advice from their pandemic expert and called a halt to the 2020 season.
It seemed inevitable and brought mixed reactions from players and clubs on social media.
"Today is a difficult day for the rugby league community"https://t.co/KRSWYTD3w7#ridemcowboys
- NQ Cowboys (@nthqldcowboys) March 23, 2020
Thinking of the family tonight. ❤️@brisbanebroncos @RaidersCanberra @NRL_Bulldogs @Cronulla_Sharks @GCTitans @SeaEagles @storm @NRLKnights @NZWarriors @nthqldcowboys @TheParraEels @PenrithPanthers @SSFCRABBITOHS @NRL_Dragons @sydneyroosters pic.twitter.com/Z0feBp3z51
- Wests Tigers (@WestsTigers) March 23, 2020
Stay home and stay safe, Storm family.
Thank you for your unwavering support. We are all in this together and we will continue to provide as much insight and access as we can to keep you smiling during an uncertain time.
We already can't wait to play for you again.#YourStorm pic.twitter.com/9TP8zcd0V6
- Melbourne Storm (@storm) March 23, 2020
See you when we see you ❤️�� #redv pic.twitter.com/zmtIKD44zu
- St George Illawarra Dragons (@NRL_Dragons) March 23, 2020
Be safe and check in with loved ones! Stick to the rules and we will work this out together @NRL_Dragons @NRL
- tariqsims (@tariq_sims) March 23, 2020
A Message from the CEO and Head Coach #WeAreRaidershttps://t.co/2rc0lLtEUu
- Canberra Raiders (@RaidersCanberra) March 23, 2020
We will get through this together ��#UKNIGHTED #NRL pic.twitter.com/sOubxcuXgU
- Newcastle Knights (@NRLKnights) March 23, 2020
The NRL season suspended..That hurts but like most tough times in life, we will come through it.
- Joel Thompson (@joel_thompson12) March 23, 2020
We're truly grateful for the encouragement, patience & support shown by members, fans & sponsors during this time. We'll be back. In the meantime please adhere to the government's instructions, keep you & your family safe & show a bit of aroha. We can do this together �� #ALLIN pic.twitter.com/xLnfE6q6fo
- Vodafone Warriors (@NZWarriors) March 23, 2020
✊������. #PARRAdise #NRL https://t.co/ksA4YYYzHG
- Parramatta Eels (@TheParraEels) March 23, 2020
NRL Suspends the Season... but we'll be back. ✊��❤️��#GoRabbitohs #SSFCTogether #OldestProudestLoudest pic.twitter.com/ni3cDri3Q7
- South Sydney Rabbitohs �� (@SSFCRABBITOHS) March 23, 2020
WE WILL BE BACK!!! Stay safe rugby league community. �� to you all! #NRL
- Chad Townsend (@chadtownsend10) March 23, 2020
I remember the feeling of uncertainty as a teenager during the Super League war with the @Cronulla_Sharks
It pales in comparison to what the current players are experiencing..not to mention the thousands who are now unemployed.
Praying for a swift recovery ����#afl #nrl- Martin Lang (@Martin_Lang11) March 23, 2020
Kia kaha kia toa kia manawanui #NRL whanau ��#ALLIN
- Vodafone Warriors (@NZWarriors) March 23, 2020
Pretty devastating times. Rattled
- Nathan Peats (@nathanpeats9) March 23, 2020