While NRL fans are still not allowed inside stadiums to support their team, a new initiative by the NRL is bringing diehards one step closer.
The NRL has launched the “Fan In The Stand” online portal, where supporters can upload a photo of themselves and have a cut-out made for $22.
“Support your NRL team even at games that are behind closed doors,” the website says.
“The NRL are providing fans the opportunity to still take their seat within the stands and ‘watch’ their team play.”
The cutouts will be placed at the home ground of the supporter’s team and will be returned to the owner at the end of the season.
It is hoped these cutouts will add atmosphere to the empty stadiums.
As well as the Fan In The Stand initiative, the NRL will also be placing banners made by fans around venues and will play music during breaks in play using playlists created by fans.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the NRL is working on a technology-led initiative that would see video and audio content from fans beamed straight from their lounge rooms into stadiums.
However, this presents obvious problems around content moderation and delays.
The NRL will relaunch tonight when the Brisbane Broncos take on the Parramatta Eels.
It is the first professional sport to be played in Australia since lockdown began.
