RUGBY LEAGUE: NRL RESUMES ON THURSDAY. PAGE 27
The NRL's 16 captains have united behind the competition resuming on Thursday, issuing a powerful pledge as rugby league approaches its restart.
Skippers, including the Roosters' Boyd Cordner, Melbourne's Cameron Smith, Brisbane's Alex Glenn, Manly's Daly CherryEvans, the Tigers' Benji Marshall and St George Illawarra's Cameron McInnes, have relayed passionate messages ahead of the historic premiership restart.
The messages have been tailored to the specific clubs and the specific and extraordinary circumstances some have found themselves in.
The Warriors' Roger Tuivasa-Sheck has called out players' families for making sacrifices so the team can be based in Australia.
Here are their messages: Alex Glenn (Brisbane Broncos)
"It's awesome to be back. It's been a long wait for the players, the members and the fans. Everyone in our squad looks very fit. We made sure that we were accountable over the break to doing our training sessions by ourselves. We can't wait to play our first game and I'm sure our members and fans are the same." Josh Hodgson (Canberra Raiders)
"Rugby league has faced a lot of adversity over the years and the beautiful thing about our game is that we always rise to challenge when it is thrust upon us. It's amazing to see the positive response from the people of Canberra during this pandemic." Josh Jackson (Canterbury-Bankstown Bull dogs)
"There is definitely an air of excitement around being back. It's been great seeing all the boys and having something to aim towards. "Wade Graham (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks)
"I'm so grateful to have the opportunity to get back out there and play rugby league again." Kevin Proctor (Gold Coast Titans) "I think the NRL have done a great job in setting out the protocols and we are going to do everything we can to get the game going again on May 28. "Daly Cherry-Evans (Manly Warringah Sea Eagles) "Having played the first two rounds, before going on a break, I can't wait to get back into the season. I'm sure rugby league fans are just as excited as the players to see the season recommence." Cameron Smith (Melbourne Storm) "I'm sure the fans have missed rugby league as much as we have and it's going to be great being back providing them with some entertainment each week. It's what a lot of people base their lives around – going to work during the week and then they like to sit down on the weekend and watch their rugby league." Mitchell Pearce (Newcastle Knights)
"As players, we are in a privileged position. Our players aren't taking that responsibility lightly. We have an opportunity to put smiles on faces in what is a difficult time." Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (New Zealand Warriors) "It's a challenge for us being away from our families back home but we're hungry to play and represent our members, our fans, our families and the Warriors." Michael Morgan (North Queensland Cowboys) "Aside from the fact we as players are back doing what we love, our fans will finally have the opportunity to watch their favourite teams play every weekend and in my opinion that's what is most important." Clint Gutherson (Parramatta Eels)
"We're so lucky and privileged to be in a position like this. We just can't wait to get back on the field and give Australia some entertainment to help get through this difficult period." James Tamou (Penrith Panthers) "Returning to the field is our way to give back to the Panthers members and fans." Adam Reynolds (South Sydney Rabbitohs) "There are many families in this area that love Souths, and right now they are missing Souths, just like our family, my teammates, our coaches, the staff at the club and the 29,000-plus Rabbitohs members – the people who we play for." Cameron McInnes (St George Illawarra Dragons)
"I'm excited to see rugby league return to training, and for me personally, I'm ready to finally play my first game in 2020. Bring on May 28!" Boyd Cordner (Sydney Roosters) "I know that everyone at the Roosters has been focused at each session and that we're all working hard ahead of our first game back. We can’t wait to get started." Benji Marshall (Wests Tigers)
"It’s great to be able to provide a game for our fans and members to be able to see again and keep cheering for us like they always have."-Brisbane