Canberra Raiders fans could be among the first NRL supporters to watch their team play live en masse, after the club confirmed it was working on a plan to get people back into GIO Stadium.
While around 10,000 fans will be allowed to return to stadiums in New South Wales from July 1, the Raiders may get the jump on their NRL rivals, pending a meeting between the Raiders, ACT Government and GIO Stadium on Friday.
According to Channel 9, the Raiders have put forward a proposal to have their Round 8 game against the Dragons relocated from Campbelltown Stadium to GIO Stadium in Canberra.
The Raiders addressed the speculation with a release on Tuesday morning.
"We understand that many of our members are excited about media speculation of an early return of Raiders home games to Canberra with some crowd involvement at GIO Stadium Canberra," a Raiders media release stated. "Please be aware we are working with both the ACT Government and NRL to return the Raiders home to Canberra as soon as possible.
"In parallel, GIO Stadium Management are currently working through return to operation plans with local authorities and the ACT Chief Medical Officer. The Raiders will be fully briefed by GIO Stadium Management on Friday 19 June 2020 on where things stand in this regard, and we will share any new information that comes to light with you."
The Raiders have some of the most passionate fans in the NRL, a supporter base reinvigorated in recent times as the club surged up the NRL ladder, culminating in last year's agonising Grand Final loss to the Roosters.
The NRL had committed to using neutral venues until Round 9 as part of the "bubble" plan which allowed it to be the first Australian sports league to return to play amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
But with that "bubble" set to end earlier than expected, the Raiders proposal, if it is approved, would see the club play at GIO Stadium ahead of schedule and with as much local support as the various stakeholders agree on.
"Going forward, if we are able to offer 'fans' the opportunity to attend games, the Raiders will hold strong on our view that Members need to be given first right to access tickets," the Raiders confirmed. "How the ticket process is administered will be determined once we know things like venue capacity, access restrictions, seating arrangements etc."
The Raiders, who sit second on the NRL ladder with a 4-1 record, face Manly at Cambelltown Stadium on Sunday.