Monday Buzz: Sydney Roosters’ groundbreaking call on crowd Covid vaccination

Sydney Roosters chairman Nick Politis insists this is the only way forward in the Covid crisis, via PHIL ROTHFIELD.

The Sydney Roosters want to become the first sporting club in Australia to ban unvaccinated fans from attending home games next season at the new Allianz Stadium.

Chairman Nick Politis insists it’s the only way forward to get crowds safely back in big numbers.

“We want members and fans to feel safe about coming to the football and knowing the people they are sitting next to have been fully vaccinated,” Politis said.

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“It might upset a minority of supporters but it’s the only way forward.

“We think all NRL clubs need to take a responsible stand on this like they are doing overseas.”

The Roosters are set to implement a groundbreaking vaccination policy.

The Las Vegas Raiders in the NFL are about to start their season at the new Allegiant Stadium

The Raiders are the first NFL club that will require all attendees to show proof of vaccination on a mobile phone app.

For attendees who aren’t vaccinated, there will be a pop-up vaccine clinic at every home game, and fans can get their shot and go into the venue with a mask.

Children not old enough to receive the vaccine can attend, but will also have to wear a mask.

Raiders’ owner Mark Davis said season ticket holders can receive a full refund if they don’t like it

It is proving to be an incentive for fans to get vaccinated.

Sydney Roosters fans cram into Allianz Stadium. Picture: Phil Hillyard

“To be honest the Raiders games really pushed me into getting the vaccine,” said season ticket holder Jillian Diaz in an interview on Fox Sports.

Venues NSW chairman Tony Shepherd recently raised the issue of vaccination passports being a requirement for all major sporting events.

“If you choose not to have the jab that is your civil right in a free country but we need to do something to reopen our stadiums.

“The venues will have to say you can’t attend. Simple as that. Getting crowds back to sport is important but we can’t put fans at risk.

“It will be a tremendous incentive for people to get vaccinated.”

Trent Barrett and Phil Gould will work together at the Bulldogs (Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)

GOULD’S BARRETT DEADLINE

How safe is Trent Barrett as head coach of the Canterbury Bulldogs?

We know general manager of football Phil Gould is not expecting an overnight fix at Belmore.

However the team’s performances this year have been dreadful.

Gus doesn’t mind sacking coaches. Ask Ivan Cleary or Anthony Griffin.

There is a whisper out of Belmore that Barrett will have the first eight weeks of next year’s competition to prove he can do something with the roster. Otherwise he’s gone.