The NRL has been left red-faced after they were forced to cancel the release of their end-of-season schedule at the last minute due to player welfare oversights.
There were at least two instances - involving Wests Tigers and Manly - where clubs were given only a four-day turnaround between matches, something which is unacceptable under the game's collective bargaining agreement.
The NRL announced after 6pm that the schedule for the final six rounds of the regular season had now been completed and would be released on Friday.
But clubs had been promoting that they would go live to members and fans on social media at 11am on Thursday with details of the previously unlisted dates and kick-off times between rounds 21-26.
As late as 10.50am, an urgent memo was issued by the NRL for clubs to refrain from releasing details of the proposed draw.
South Sydney had already emailed members with what they thought was the final product.
Given match-ups had already been designated and dates and times were all that needed to be worked through, it was hardly a major disaster.
But nonetheless, it was an embarrassing delay.
Fans wanting to plan their movements for the weeks ahead were left asking why the build-up to an announcement resulted in no announcement and how seemingly obvious oversights slipped through the cracks.
It's understood draw-makers spent the rest of the day locked behind closed doors trying to thrash out a new schedule that would satisfy player welfare requirements as well as the demands of broadcasters.
Penrith boss Phil Gould kept his 39,500 Twitter followers regularly updated on the mix up.
"Hmmm .. I'm hearing there are some issues with the proposed NRL draw that need to be addressed. This may take a while. Take a seat folks!" said Gould in his first post.
He then added: "I would ignore draw that has been released. It has flaws that need to be addressed. I understand they have gone right back to drawing board."
Gould then asked who the NRL would hold accountable for the oversight: "So footy fans, no NRL draw as yet? Wonder who will get blame for this as people default to damage control mode? #fingerpointing #blamegame.
The NRL released a short statement which read: "The release has been delayed to ensure a five-day turnaround between games to protect players in the game," said a spokesman.
It's understood the NRL drafted as many as three versions of a draw, all of which weren't able to satisfy requirements.
Club officials were initially sent a copy on Wednesday night and between then and late Thursday morning, objections were raised.
It's understood one issue surrounded Manly, who were initially scheduled to play on a Sunday in round 22 and then back up on a Thursday in round 23.
Wests Tigers are understood to have been originally down to face the Sydney Roosters on a Monday night in round 23, and then turn around to face Canterbury on a Friday night.
It's been rumoured that their match against the Roosters will be moved from ANZ Stadium to Leichhardt Oval on a Saturday night.
It's mandatory under NRL rules that for player welfare reasons, clubs should get a minimum of five days break between matches.
Head broadcaster Channel Nine will broadcast four Thursday night matches in the final four rounds of the season.
http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-sport/nrl-left-redfaced-over-draw-errors-20140703-3bbke.html
