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NSW heatwave causes sport havoc

The A-League has already cancelled a match scheduled for this weekend due to the NSW heatwave, and the NRL could follow suit.

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Source: AAP


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Canterbury will wait until game day to decide whether they will abandon Saturday's NRL trial with Penrith due to Sydney's anticipated weekend heatwave.

It comes after the A-League on Thursday postponed their Saturday 5.35pm (AEDT) fixture between Newcastle and Melbourne Victory at McDonald Jones Stadium to Monday night.

Temperatures are set to nudge above the 40 degree mark on Saturday when the Bulldogs host the Panthers at Belmore Sportsground, although kickoff is at 6pm.

"Not cancelled at this stage. We will assess on Saturday just before game," a Bulldogs official told AAP on Thursday.

Canterbury coach Des Hasler has named a strong line-up for the clash, including stars Will Hopoate, Brett Morris, Josh Reynolds, Josh Jackson and skipper James Graham.

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Penrith coach Anthony Griffin named former internationals Dean Whare and Peta Hiku in what would be their first competitive match since undergoing major knee reconstructions last year.

The other two NSW trials between South Sydney and Manly in Campbelltown, and St George-Illawarra and Wests Tigers are at this stage set to go ahead at around 7:30pm, despite the mercury in Campbelltown possibly hitting 45 degrees during the day.

The FFA's heatwave policy allows the league to postpone games should the Wet Globe Temperature exceed 28, with forced drinks breaks between 26 and 27.9.

The forecast at Newcastle is at 34.3.

"Taking into consideration the obvious player welfare concerns as well as the need to give players, teams and fans the best possible opportunity to plan for the match, moving the match to Monday night is the only decision we could make," head of A-League Greg O'Rourke said.

""We have spoken to both clubs who have welcomed the decision."

Jets coach Mark Jones admitted the change was inconvenient but would be beneficial.

"Player welfare is of utmost importance and we've had a few issues through the year ... we don't want to put players at risk," Jones said.

"It just means that we have a little bit extra time to prepare. It's obviously a little bit inconvenient, but it is better than playing in 42-degree heat obviously."


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