COVID-19 lockdown forces NRL’s former pros to halt coaching roles

They keep busy with multiple jobs in NRL retirement but Andrew Johns, Cooper Cronk, Michael Ennis and Sam Burgess have been blocked from their hands-on coaching roles. FIND OUT WHY

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Four of the NRL’s leading TV commentators have been forced to stand down from their hands-on coaching roles because of COVID-19 isolation protocols.

Channel 9’s Andrew Johns and Fox Sports stars Cooper Cronk, Michael Ennis and Sam Burgess are no longer allowed to be in the company of players.

NRL biosecurity rules restrict the number of staff and players allowed at training to 50 — 32 players and 18 staff members.

All must comply with the strict biosecurity protocols, including no contact with people outside their own household, which rules out the commentators.

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Andrew Johns is still helping the Eels remotely. Photo: Gregg Porteous

Eels coach Brad Arthur said Johns was still having a useful impact.

“He’s excellent, he cares and we’ve been chatting heaps on the phone,” Arthur said.

“On Monday we’ve got a phone hook-up. I’ll be in my office with the spine and Joey will jump on the phone and talk to them.

“He’s been talking to them individually as well.

“He’s got some advice on the Broncos which has been handy. As soon as the restrictions are lifted we’ll be getting him back in.”

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Michael Ennis is working from home with the Raiders.

The Canberra Raiders are still using Ennis, too. He did an outstanding job last year with the halves and hooker Josh Hodgson.

“I’m still talking to ‘Sticky’ a couple of times a week,” Ennis said. “But I’m really missing being around the boys. Anytime there’s a Zoom conference on they send me the link and if I’m around I’ll join in.

“I cut some vision on Melbourne Storm for them. It’s challenging not being there because I started building some good connections with the players and staff last year.

“The face-to-face stuff is important but the
biosecurity rules are important.

“We’ll get back there eventually.”

Originally published as COVID-19 lockdown forces NRL’s former pros to halt coaching roles