Warriors in hunt for rivals’ players
WARRIORS boss Cameron George has revealed they have created a hit list of players who could be taken on loan in a bid to remain in this year’s NRL competition.
The Warriors’ status for the rest of the season is unclear due to strict travel restrictions in New Zealand and Australia as a result of coronavirus.
The NRL has already begun contingency plans should the NZ side be unable to participate in the NRL after this week’s Round 2 match against Canberra on the Gold Coast.
However, it is understood the league is considering the radical idea of loaning players from rival clubs too in a desperate attempt to fulfil broadcast obligations.
“We’ve got a hit list,” George said. “So we have been talking to a couple of clubs about some players that might be available under the circumstances and how that would look, for how long.
“It’s a real possibility given the restrictions of travel.”
The NRL has already given the green light for the Warriors to use their development players, five of whom are already with the playing group at Kingscliff.
Peta Hiku and Patrick Herbert, both of whom played in the Warriors’
Round 1 loss to Newcastle, are unavailable after returning home for personal reasons.
Their absence has left coach Stephen Kearney with just 24 players available to face the Raiders at Cbus Super Stadium on Saturday.
In the Warriors’ favour is the possible suspension of the respective state leagues in Queensland and NSW.
A decision on their fate is likely to be made today.