Gold Coast star refuses to confirm vaccination stance as pressure mounts on the Queensland based club

One of the biggest stories circulating in the NRL at the moment is that of the push from some clubs to get their players vaccinated before the start of the new season.

England international and former Super League Champion Luke Thompson was subject to much of this controversy at Canterbury before eventually receiving the first jab of the Covid-19 vaccine. However, his future at the Bulldogs still remains unsettled due to his high salary with reports linking him with a move to Wests.

Meanwhile, Thompson’s former coach Justin Holbrook appears to be having headaches of his own regarding the vaccine. Holbrook has overseen huge development at Gold Coast in recent years but his side face a challenge unique to just a few teams in the competition.

The harsh stance of the Queensland government means that unvaccinated players will not be allowed into stadiums to play meaning the clubs based in the state – including Gold Coast – will need their entire squad vaccinated if they want a full compliment of players for home fixtures.

Brisbane and North Queensland are in the same boat as are Melbourne due to the similar stance taken in Victoria. However, Brisbane’s squad is said to be fully vaccinated whilst the Cowboys are also close to having a fully vaccinated squad.

As for the Titans, the club previously stated that their intention to get the whole squad vaccinated by Christmas but with rumours circulating about one of their stars being unvaccinated, there is course for concern if the Titans want to achieve the goal of having a fully vaccinated squad.

Brian Kelly was a key player for the Titans last year making 22 appearances scoring 12 tries and assisting a further 7 whilst making 11 line breaks and 50 tackle breaks however his unclear stance on the vaccine leaves his future clouded.

According to zerotackle, in an interview with AAP Kelly refused to confirm nor deny reports regarding his stance on the vaccine stating: “I believe my choice is my choice. That’s probably about that.

“All of Australia is all under pressure with all that stuff. But with myself, I just have good communication with the club and just take it step by step.”

A recent report claims that unvaccinated players in the competition are beginning to decrease however a number of players still remain unvaccinated the highest profile of which is Melbourne’s Nelson Asofa-Solomona. The Storm will desperately want him to receive the vaccine soon given the rules in place in Victoria.