NRL 2020: Warriors stranded in Australia due to New Zealand’s strict travel restrictions
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is under fire after refusing to allow two young Warriors stars to return home after the NRL season.
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Due to coronavirus travel restrictions, two Warriors stars will be banned from returning to New Zealand when the 2020 NRL season concludes.
The Warriors playing squad and staff made a considerable sacrifice to ensure the premiership could resume after the COVID-19 lockdown by setting up a hub in Australia for several months. The Australian Border Force granted them an exemption to travel across the ditch in early May, and the Central Coast in New South Wales has been their temporary home since.
After it was confirmed families would not be permitted to join them, four Warriors players returned home after Saturday’s eight-point loss to defending premiers the Sydney Roosters.
However, in another crushing blow the Warriors have confirmed second rower Eliesa Katoa and young gun Selestino Ravutaumada will not be allowed to return to New Zealand when the season ends.
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Despite living in the country for several years, neither Katoa or Ravutaumada are New Zealand citizens, and are therefore blocked under strict coronavirus travel restrictions, as first reported by Stuff.
Warriors chief executive Cameron George revealed the “devastating” news on Wednesday.
“We’ve been advised that they won’t be permitted entry back into the country due to their status, which is devastating for us to hear,” George told Stuff.
“The kids have been schooling here for a number of years, contributing to the economy in many different ways, have had the credentials and authorisation to live in New Zealand with their visas and they’re over there representing our country in the NRL.
“But what are we going to do with them now? They’ve go not family in Australia and it’s just another major bump in our road for 2020.”
Ironically, 20-year-old Ravutaumada has represented New Zealand, playing for the Schools rugby league side and the Junior Kiwis.
Because Katoa and Ravutaumada were made to leave the country due to an employment obligation, George called for the New Zealand government to reconsider and grant the duo a travel exemption.
“Prior to leaving this country to go to Australia to carry out their employment, they were like any citizen of New Zealand,” George said.
“They’ve got the appropriate visas to be in New Zealand, they’ve got everything that you need to live in New Zealand and it’s easily demonstrated that they’re residents here, because they’ve been here for years and gone to school here.
“Yet our border officials say they’re not New Zealand residents. I know by definition they need to be citizens, but three months ago they were all of the above.
“So what are we going to do? Drop them off and leave them on the shores of Australia?
“I call on the New Zealand government to review and reconsider this.”
Former Black Caps captain Brendon McCullum tweeted on Wednesday evening: “This needs sorted! Let’s do something about this PM @jacindaardern. Never leave our own behind.”
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern responded to the concerns on Thursday.
“I’d say that from what I’ve been briefed on, that’s a matter that’s still looking to be resolved. But I think it just demonstrates the complexity of those issues at our border,” Ardern said.
“Of course citizens, permanent residents (are) obviously able to come straight through. Those who might be on visas but there are economic reasons for them being here, that takes a bit more of a process.
“I understand that’s still a case that’s been worked through.”
Having recorded three wins this season, the Warriors currently sit in 13th spot on the NRL ladder. They will come up against the Wests Tigers this Friday evening at the Sydney Cricket ground for their round 12 fixture.
Originally published as NRL 2020: Warriors stranded in Australia due to New Zealand’s strict travel restrictions