Manly Sea Eagles’ prop Josh Aloiai has become the first NRL player to test positive for COVID-19, but his sparring partner and Featherstone Rovers signing Joey Leilua has too.
Not only is Aloiai the NRL’s first positive case, but it also means that the Manly Sea Eagles forward will not take part in his boxing bout with Paul Gallen, whilst Leilua’s clash against Chris Heighington is also cancelled.
“Manly Warringah Sea Eagles can confirm NRL player Josh Aloiai has today received a positive Covid test result,” the statement read.
“Josh was not due to return to official team training until mid-December and has had no recent face to face contact with his Manly team-mates.
“Josh is fully vaccinated and the Club is working with the NRL to ensure he follows NSW Health Orders and NRL protocols over the coming weeks.”
Leilua has recently signed for Featherstone in the Championship in a bid to ‘prove people wrong’ following his ominous exit from the Wests Tigers.
The Sea Eagles confirmed in a statement that Aloiai was not due to return to training until mid-December, but also confirmed he is vaccinated.
The powerhouse centre was set to link up with his new side after his fight with Heighington on December 10, but the moving date now looks uncertain.
