Young Warriors players forced to isolate
A number of young Warriors players have been forced to isolate at the team’s base in Terrigal, while the rest of the squad is again living under restrictions because of the latest coronavirus outbreak in Brisbane.
The Warriors have a relationship with Queensland Cup team, Redcliffe Dolphins, so those not in the first-grade squad can run out for them each weekend. On Sunday the Dolphins had a game against Norths Devils, which is also in the northern Brisbane metropolitan area.
NRL squad members Hayze Perham, Jackson Frei, Josh Curran and Rocco Berry were all due to play, but were informed at late notice to stay in Terrigal.
However, several young Warriors were already up north. They have since returned to Terrigal and Warriors CEO Cameron George says those players are in isolation, while the rest of the team goes under alert level 2 restrictions.
‘‘We got a phone call about 10pm on Friday night and they were due to leave our apartment block at 6am, so they woke up to a text saying ‘you’re not going’,’’ George said of the four players who were supposed to be playing
Roger Tuivasa-sheck (c), David Fusitu’a, Adam Pompey, Marcelo Montoya, Ken Maumalo, Kodi Nikorima, Sean O’sullivan, Addin Fonua-blake, Wayde Egan, Bunty Afoa, Eliesa Katoa, Bayley Sironen, Tohu Harris. Interchange (from): Jazz Tevaga, Ben Murdoch-masila, Leeson Ah Mau, Jack Murchie, Tom Ale, Paul Turner, Kane Evans, Rocco Berry.
for the Dolphins. ‘‘But we’ve had boys who were up there, but have come back and are now in isolation until the end of this week.
‘‘They’re locked away in an apartment in isolation until Friday. So they’re watching TV and doing plenty of sit-ups and push-ups at the moment.’’
Because of the recent Covid outbreak, all 16 NRL clubs were informed yesterday they’d have to move into level 2 restrictions.
‘‘It means things will start to get a bit more restrictive because of that,’’ George said.
‘‘It’s more precautionary than anything, like when anyone goes to a training facility they have to have their temperature taken and they now have to wear masks in restaurants and public areas.’’
Players will also be banned from taking any public transport as the NRL responds quickly to the situation. Brisbane went into a three-day lockdown from 5am on Monday, but it was announced yesterday there were eight more community cases and it could be that this situation goes on for a while.
If it does, George says they will be forced to look at other arrangements to give game time to those not in the 17 each weekend.
Meanwhile, Marcelo Montoya will make his Warriors debut on Sunday against the Roosters, becoming the fourth centre to play for the club in four weeks.
The 25-year-old replaces Peta Hiku, who will be out for several weeks with a knee injury, picked up in last weekend’s 34-31 win over the Raiders.
Warriors team to play the Roosters: