Wednesday 15 June 2011
The Queensland team is continuing to prepare normally for Saturday’s interstate clash with Western Australia in Mandurah, but officials are closely monitoring the situation with the volcanic ash cloud that has disrupted flights to the other side of the country.
Perth Airport was officially closed today but is hoping to re-open tomorrow.
“We will continue to prepare for the game in the most professional manner possible, but we are obviously aware of what is happening in Perth,” said Queensland chairman of selectors Marty King.
“We are keeping in touch with the WAFL people and are proceeding as if the game is going ahead.”
However, King added that all were aware there could be a backlog of flights following today’s closure, and that the ash threat remained.
“The safety of our players is paramount and we are mindful that we won’t compromise their preparation,” he said.
The team is due to fly out on Friday morning and a lengthy delay would make playing the game unfeasible.
“We will train tomorrow night and at this stage arrive at Brisbane airport on Friday morning ready to go,” King said.
