The entire staff working at the Steelers Club in Wollongong have been stood down.
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The announcement comes a day after the National Rugby League confirmed it had postponed its season amidst the growing COVID-19 crisis.
Like other clubs, the Steelers, one of St George Illawarra Dragons' home clubs, has been hit hard by the government's decision to close all entertainment venues, as it tries to reduce the spread of coronavirus.
Steelers chairman Graeme Gulloch said the club was complying with the government's requirements.
"We are just one of more than 80 clubs in the Illawarra / South Coast zone to be impacted by the closure and we are taking measures to ensure our survival into the future. We hope this enables us to re-open the doors to the venue when it is deemed appropriate to do so," Mr Gulloch said.
"We know that pubs, restaurants and the hospitality sector generally are facing an uphill challenge.
"As is the case across the industry, we have stood down our workforce in the interim until the government closure is lifted. This applies to all staff."
Steelers planned on following Clubs NSW guidelines relating to this enforced shutdown, along with all government recommendations.
"Our focus is on keeping the club viable so we can get everyone back to work," Mr Gulloch said.
"This is an extraordinary time for the entire community. We feel for everyone in the community who is being impacted by this closure, particularly the people who are the heart of our club.
"As we are all impacted by the pandemic it is important we support each other. Our hope is the decisions made help bring a swift end to this national situation and our community can move forward."
The standing down of all Steelers staff includes those working in the football operations arm of the organisation, which manages the Illawarra Rugby League.
Both senior and junior competitions are currently on hiatus, the NSW Rugby League suspending all community football last week.
Illawarra Rugby League general manager Chris Bannerman conceded the coming weeks and months will bring a significant amount of uncertainty for the region's sporting clubs, however he's confident the Illawarra Rugby League will be able to restart competitions once the suspension is lifted.
"The two things go hand in hand," he said. "If health authorities are comfortable with the return of community sport, it's likely social restrictions in place around gatherings will also be lifted to some degree and the licensed club will be able to reopen.
"We're confident we can get through this period and be ready to prepare for an adjusted season and have competitions back up and running once we are able to return."
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Agron Latifi
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
