COVID wreaks havoc as club cancels training with head coach set to isolate

North Queensland Cowboys have cancelled training after a member of the club’s Covid bubble is said to have come in close contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case at the Townsville Markets.

Cowboys CEO Jeff Reibel has provided the following statement, Fox Sports has reported.

“I would like to make very clear, no North Queensland Toyota Cowboys player or staff member breached any Queensland Health order or NRL Apollo protocol,” Reibel said.

“To the contrary it has been the diligence shown by our staff and players and the NRL which has allowed us to reach this outcome today. We have abided by all Queensland Health Orders and Apollo protocol from the NRL.

“As stated earlier, Cowboys training was cancelled today after a member of our Apollo Register was deemed to have come in close contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case at the Townsville Markets on Sunday.

“The Cowboys employee was Head Coach Todd Payten.

“Todd underwent a COVID-19 test yesterday and is currently in isolation awaiting the result. We have also been instructed Todd will need to remain in isolation for a 14-day period, backdated to Sunday.