Families set to relocate

PARRAMATTA captain Clint Gutherson has been like a dog with a bone trying to get his two best friends into the NRL bubble.

The NRL is working tirelessly to reunite players with their family members in the three Queensland hubs, with loved ones expected to start 14days quarantine on the Gold Coast late this week.

But one beloved family member won’t be allowed to cross the border.

It’s ‘ruff’ news for Gutherson, who now has to spend the next two months without his two young dogs.

“I‘ve been pushing hard to get the dogs up here, I’ve been on the phone for a number of hours to our football manager to get them up here but look, I’m quite disappointed they are not going to be able to join the bubble,” Gutherson said.

“They will be with mum and dad, I’m sure mum and dad will spoil them.”

Around 500 family members of partners were sent for Covid testing first thing on Monday morning and will now travel to Queensland on Wednesday.

The NRL had received initial approval to fly partners and children up last weekend but those plans were delayed after the Queensland government requested more information about the relocation.

The family members will then join one of three hubs in the Gold Coast, Brisbane or Sunshine Coast once the 14day quarantine is complete.

“Dear Players, Officials & Families, thank you for your patience over the last few days. I’m delighted to inform you, that as promised, we will be able to reunite you with your family in Queensland soon,” NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said in a letter to families on Monday night.

“The Queensland Government has this evening approved our application to relocate Sydney based families to the Gold Coast.

“Your flights will leave from Sydney this Wednesday.”