Trio in corona breach
THREE of the NRL’s brightest young stars have put the game on COVID-19 alert following separate breaches of the league’s strict biosecurity protocols over the weekend.
Penrith’s Charlie Staines has joined Canterbury’s Jake Averillo and Parramatta’s Stefano Utoikamanu in COVID-19 hold after he broke rules about the number of visitors at his house.
NRL biosecurity protocols stipulate players can host up to 10 visitors a day, however those visitors must attend in groups of no more than five.
Staines had his parents, sister, his partner’s parents and four friends stay at his house over the weekend.
He also went to hospital to treat a medical condition without telling the club and, although that in itself is not a breach, it will now be up to a biosecurity expert to determine whether Staines should leave the bubble for 14 days.
It has been a dramatic fall from grace for 19-year-old Staines, who scored four tries on debut in the 56-24 win over Cronulla on Saturday night.
Staines was thrilled to have his family and friends on hand to watch the game – but their stay broke protocols.
“It’s unreal that they all travelled up from Forbes,” Staines said after the match on Saturday.
“Mum and Dad always drove me everywhere for footy, wherever I needed to go, and for them to be here tonight was amazing.”
Staines suffered a recurrence of lockjaw, a condition he last suffered during pre-season, early on Sunday morning and went to the emergency department at Nepean Hospital at 2.30am for treatment before being released.
The Panthers weren’t told of the hospital visit until later that day.
They subsequently learnt of the number of visitors at Staines’ place of residence.
“Charlie has been extremely naive on this occasion and inadvertently breached the protocols that are in place to protect the game,” Panthers CEO Brian Fletcher said.
“His misunderstanding of the specifics of the guidelines cannot be overlooked, nor can his failure to contact the club before seeking medical treatment for his jaw condition.”
Bulldogs centre Averillo will go into self-isolation and Parramatta rookie prop Utoikamanu has been placed into COVID-19 hold.
Averillo will be unable to train or play until Sunday due to his parents visiting COVID-19 hot spot the Crossroads Hotel in Casula on July 5. He lives at home with them.
Averillo will be tested for COVID-19 today after both his parents were tested over the weekend.
The outside back’s parents will now be retested on Sunday to receive a clean bill of health, and Averillo will be unable to train or play with the team until that date.
Parramatta’s Utoikamanu broke the game’s strict biosecurity protocols but can return to train with the squad if the members of the public he contacted are cleared of the virus.