Players’ union to support Warriors
The Rugby League Players Association (RLPA) has assured Warriors squad members that no player will be expected to travel to Australia until all of their concerns are addressed by the NRL.
The Kiwi outfit was left frustrated after a list of questions sent to head office over the proposed resumption of the season on May 28, which will require the Warriors to be based in Australia for up to six months, went unanswered for almost a week.
Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V’landys and NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg finally held a phone hook-up with Warriors management on Wednesday, where they reinforced their commitment to having the club involved in the rescheduled competition.
But there are still more details to be ironed out before the Warriors can commit to relocating across the Tasman, with plans to travel on Sunday quashed.
RLPA chief executive Clint Newton spoke earlier this week with the players, whose key concerns centre around the health and safety guidelines that will be implemented, player welfare measures and medical and injury management support.
They are also eager to find out whether families will be permitted to visit or travel with the team.
Given the commitment the Warriors have already shown to the game, Newton was confident the NRL was taking their concerns seriously and was encouraged by the governing body’s commitment to improve communication.
‘‘The cliche ‘less is more’ is not the case in this situation,’’ Newton told Stuff.
‘‘One of the things I’ve said openly is that no player will be asked to get on a plane to travel to Australia prior to having some assurances and guarantees about those things that I’ve previously mentioned.’’
The NRL is continuing to seek advice from the Australian and New Zealand governments regarding travel restrictions. But the Warriors are not expected to leave Auckland before a meeting with the NRL on Monday.
The Warriors were under the impression that they needed to depart this Sunday in order to complete a two-week quarantine before the planned resumption of training on May 4.
However, rival coaches have agreed not to begin full team training until the Warriors are able to do so, alleviating some of the urgency to travel.
‘‘It gives everyone a bit of breathing space to continue to work through the areas that require further assurances,’’ Newton said. ‘‘We’d like to have the majority of that ready by the beginning-middle of next week.’’
More details on the competition structure could be announced before the weekend, with the NRL meeting with broadcasters Channel Nine and Foxtel.