This morning the Brisbane Broncos announced that 16 of its 38 playing squad had been forced to isolate after contracting COVID-19.
Now it’s the turn of the Gold Coast Titans who have been rocked by nine positive cases and the North Queensland Cowboys who have ten.
Both clubs have released statements in the wake of their trouble.
The Cowboys’ statement was short and sweet said: “The players are abiding by Queensland Health guidelines and will isolate at home for seven days.”
“Players not showing symptoms will be permitted to return to training following the seven-day isolation period.”
Meanwhile, Titans chief executive officer Steve Mitchell was keen to stress that community, staff and playing health was of paramount concern upon a possible return.
“Like many organisations, we have been impacted by the current outbreak, but we are working with the NRL on a safe return to training,” Mitchell said.
“The health of our staff, players and community is a priority and we will be following the NRL’s Apollo protocols to allow our players to safely resume training.
“Once players are cleared they will return under the NRL’s graduated return to play guidelines.”
It’s a troubling time for the NRL whose mandate of compulsory vaccination rankled a number of stars.
