LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
The upcoming Round 1 clash in the NRL between the Brisbane Dolphins and the South Sydney Rabbitohs may be affected by wild weather as Cyclone Alfred approaches southeast Queensland.
The game, which is set to take place on Friday night, is of particular significance as it marks Wayne Bennett's return to the Rabbitohs after two years with the Dolphins.
However, there is uncertainty surrounding the match due to the impending cyclone, which is currently a Category 2 system in the Coral Sea and is expected to make landfall between Bundaberg and Northern New South Wales on Thursday or Friday.
The Bureau of Meteorology has warned of strong winds exceeding 100 kilometres per hour and heavy rainfall which could lead to extreme flash flooding.
The unpredictable nature of cyclones means that the exact location and timing of Cyclone Alfred's landfall remain uncertain.
Despite the potential disruption caused by the severe weather conditions, the NRL is yet to make any official announcements regarding potential changes to the schedule.
This development comes at a time when the NRL has already faced challenges in launching their season, with games being played in Las Vegas on Sunday.
The impending clash between the Dolphins and the Rabbitohs is the first prime time game of the year and is eagerly anticipated by fans.
The uncertainty surrounding the impact of Cyclone Alfred on the game has added an element of suspense to an already highly anticipated matchup.
As fans and players alike wait for further updates on the situation, the possibility of the game being postponed or rescheduled looms large.
The NRL and AFL are both closely monitoring the situation as the severe weather conditions pose a potential threat to the opening games of the season.
The outcome of Cyclone Alfred's landfall will ultimately determine the fate of the Round 1 clash in Brisbane, with stakeholders bracing for the impact of the wild weather.