Coroanvirus could force Canberra Raiders to play with no fans in NRL season opener

The Raiders are hoping they will be free to open the gates for their clash against the Gold Coast Titans, which is scheduled to start at 6pm.

But Prime Minister Scott Morrison is meeting with state and territory leaders, including ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr, to determine a response to coronavirus.

The Raiders said the NRL was waiting until after the meeting before making any decision about games.

It means the Raiders and ACT Brumbies could both be told to lock fans out of games in Canberra this weekend.

Super Rugby has already confirmed one of its matches in Argentina will be played at a "closed stadium".

The Raiders and the NRL have already implemented guidelines to reduce fan interaction in an attempt to minimise health risks for players and the public.

But telling fans not to attend a game would have a major impact financially on both the Raiders and Brumbies, who were hoping for bumper crowds this weekend.

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The Raiders were on track to record the highest attendance in Canberra for a Titans game before coronavirus fears gripped Australia and forced several sporting event cancellations.

The Brumbies, who are desperate to rebuild crowd support, had also hoped to attract 15,000 fans to what is traditionally their biggest game of the year.

Fans were free to attend the NRL season opener on Friday night, but the government meeting could force a crackdown on large public gatherings.

There has been one confirmed coronavirus case in Canberra and ACT government officials have been urging people to remain calm.

But the worldwide spread and shutdown of major events could see changes to the Canberra sporting schedule.

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