GOOD TO BE BACK
NRL TAKES FIRST STEPS:
IT WAS back to business yesterday as NRL players returned to training for the first time since the coronavirus caused the suspension of the rugby league season.
A squad of 32 players returned to the field at Cowboys HQ.
All players had their temperature taken as they entered the Kirwan facility before taking part in noncontact training drills in groups of 10.
It is understood all players passed the temperature checks and no Cowboys player has shown symptoms of cold or flu.
It had the feel of a first day back at pre-season as players completed a range of tasks including fitness, strength and ballwork drills.
Captain Michael Morgan continued his rehabilitation program following a shoulder clean-out during the COVID-19 shutdown, but it did not stop some of the squad’s top stars from ripping in, including superstar recruit Valentine Holmes and vice-captain Jordan McLean.
The training squad included the entire first grade squad as well as a handful of their development roster, including NRL Nines excitement machine Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow.
It wasn’t all smooth sailing for FNQ’s suite of NRL stars, with Tully’s Thomas Flegler turned away from Broncos training yesterday morning.
The 20-year-old developed flu-like symptoms last week and was assessed by the club’s chief medical officer before also testing for COVID-19 as a precaution. The club confirmed he returned a negative coronavirus result but would remain away from the team.