nib Newcastle Knights CEO, Mr Philip Gardner, has addressed the recent change in venue for our trial against the Melbourne Storm next weekend.
The clash will now take place in Albury.
Gardner spoke to the media late on Friday morning, confirming the Club has opted not to travel to Melbourne following the recent COVID-19 outbreak and subsequent lockdown in Victoria.
"It was a terribly difficult decision for us because we are disappointing a lot of people," Mr Gardner said.
"The Storm had planned with Casey to take the game to the community and we were looking forward to playing in front of a lot of fans.
"But given the situation where we currently are, Melbourne’s been through a five day lockdown and the gestation period of the virus is 14 days, we have to treat this particular situation around COVID with an abundance of caution, which is what we’re doing."
For Gardner's full statement, watch the video below.
Gardner addresses Albury shift