Melbourne Storm officials will travel to Albury later this week to inspect potential training base sites in the lead-up to the National Rugby League season resuming late next month.
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Greenfield Park, the home ground of Albury Thunder Group 9 team, is considered the most likely option if the Storm chose to temporarily base itself on the border to prepare for the season re-start on May 28 and all coronavirus-related medical protocols around the move can be satisfied.
As previously reported, Albury Council and Storm representatives discussed the training base option on Tuesday which becomes a critical consideration given Victoria's state of emergency has been extended until May 11 and as a result the club is almost certain not to be able to use its Melbourne base, AAMI Park.
"We understand that contrary to media reports their preference is to remain in Melbourne, however, they are considering all options and will be sending representatives later this week to inspect venues," Albury chief executive Frank Zaknich said.
"Greenfield Park would be considered most suitable if a temporary relocation for training was considered desirable for the club, provided council could be certain that the health and well-being of our community is fully protected.
"In the event the Storm wants to explore this, we will seek guidance from the NSW Government regarding the appropriateness of re-opening a sporting facility for this purpose during the COVID-19 activated closure."
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Murrumbidgee Local Health District public health director Tracey Oakman was reluctant to comment on the Storm plans when asked.
"There would have to be a lot of considerations factored into it as well as the current state of government laws and what they are allowed to do," she said.
"A lot of agencies are exploring how they can best have their people work in the safest way.
"The health authorities of the district would be consulted about a decision like that because if people become unwell then that is where the healthcare will need to be provided."
Albury Wodonga Health was approached for comment, but it said MLHD was the appropriate body.
Melbourne Storm football general manager Frank Ponnissi said the club had a "number of options" if AAMI Park was off-limits.
"We won't be commenting on any individual options," he said.
"No decision will be made on any of these in the foreseeable future."
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