Return of Fusitu’a likely to be delayed

The Warriors will be without David Fusitu’a for at least their first game when the NRL resumes later this month.

Fusitu’a along with Nathaniel Roache wasn’t on the chartered flight that took the team to Tamworth on Sunday.

Roache stayed back because he was ill, but has subsequently tested negative for coronavirus and will be heading over soon.

However, Fusitu’a remained in New Zealand for personal reasons. Stuff understands that Fusitu’a, the NRL’S leading tryscorer in 2018, won’t fly to Australia until next week at the earliest.

He won’t be exempt from the usual quarantine regulations put in place by the Australian government. So when Fusitu’a does arrive in Australia he will have to spend two weeks in quarantine, before joining up with the rest of the team. By then the Warriors could have relocated to the Central Coast, where they’re looking to base themselves for the rest of their time in Australia.

While the Warriors have been understanding of why Fusitu’a wanted to stay in New Zealand for longer, the club did make him aware that it would result in him needing to self-isolate once on the other side of the Tasman.

Fusitu’a could be with the team before they play again, but it might only have been for a few days and he’ll need to spend time doing contract training before being a realistic selection option.

With Fusitu’a out, Stephen

Kearney’s likely options to replace him are Adam Pompey, Adam Keighran, or Gerard Beale, who is back training after smashing his kneecap last year.

The revamped NRL draw is expected to be released by early next week.