We suspect that Australian Rugby League will be getting some new followers as the NRL swings back into post-Covid action in just ten days time, albeit behind closed doors and under strict health control measures. In a nation crying out for a return to some semblance of normality, the reintroduction of the full-blooded Aussie league will have old and new British based supporters setting their alarm clocks to help themselves to a feast of club rugby. When does it all get going, and how early am I going to have to get up? With the first two rounds having already been played prior to the pandemic, the new shortened competition will start at round three and kicks off at 10:50 AM UK time on Friday the 28th May as the Brisbane Broncos take on the Paramatta EelsParamatta are two wins from two while the Broncos have won one and lost one from their opening two games. The rest of the weekend lines up as follows; 29/5 – 09:00 – North Queensland vGold Coast Titans 29/5 – 10:55 – Sydney Roosters vSouth Sydney Rabbitohs 30/5 – 06:00 – New Zealand Warriors vSt George Illawarra Dragons 30/5 – 08:30 – Cronulla-Sutherlands Sharks vWests Tigers 30/5 – 10:35 – Melbourne Storm vCanberra Raiders 31/5 – 07:05 – Penrith Panthers vNewcastle Knights 31/5 – 09:30 – Manly Sea Eagles vCanterbury Bulldogs All games will be broadcast live on both Sky Sports Arena and Watch NRL as the sports hungry population of the world get ready for their first decent feed since coming out of hibernation. The restart has not been without controversyThere have been issues over player salaries, compulsory flu vaccines and disciplinary action taken against players breaking lock down rules, but ten days from now we will be back and watching the sport that we all love, with our fingers crossed that it may soon be safe enough in the UK that our own domestic game is not too far behind. If you fancy yourself as a match reporter, and would like to try your hand at a game or two over the coming weeks (for publication on RLFANS.COM) then get in touch with us at paul.coward@rlfans.com and we’ll work out the details.