Statement on Melbourne United and South East Melbourne Phoenix

The Hungry Jack’s NBL has announced Melbourne United and South East Melbourne Phoenix will be temporarily relocated to Queensland.

United will remain in Brisbane until the team departs for its game against the Sydney Kings at Qudos Bank Arena this Saturday.

Phoenix will travel to Cairns this afternoon as the League continues to monitor the COVID situation developing in Melbourne.

Hungry Jack’s NBL Commissioner Jeremy Loeliger said: “We have faced a number of challenges this season and the current situation in Victoria is just another that we need to navigate.

“We thank both Melbourne United and the South East Melbourne Phoenix for their understanding and flexibility in very trying circumstances and hope we can get them home as soon as possible.

“The health and safety of our players, coaches, referees, staff and fans remains our number one priority and, as always, our decisions will be guided by the advice of the relevant health authorities.

“Depending on how the situation develops over the next 24 hours, the game between South East Melbourne and Cairns scheduled this Saturday may yet have to be moved. The same may apply for the game between Melbourne and Cairns currently scheduled to be played in Melbourne next Monday May 31.”