NRL warns players against visiting their families this Mother’s Day amid biosecurity measures
The NRL has sent a stern warning for players to avoid visiting family this Mother’s Day as part of the new biosecurity measures aimed at having the game return on May 28th.
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The NRL has told its players to pick up the phone and call their mum’s after confirming the game would not give any special dispensations allowing visits on Mother’s Day.
Players queried the prospect of loosening the game’s restrictions when they fronted for the biosecurity meeting on Monday.
However, after giving it consideration, the NRL told the clubs that those on their 50-person training list would not be given exemption this Sunday.
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“After further consultation with our medical experts, the NRL has determined Mother’s Day is not an exceptional circumstance for players or club officials to leave their residence,” an email sent to the 16 club bosses read.
“The protocol cannot be periodic if we are to achieve our objective; it cannot be subject to change because of personal events such as birthdays, anniversaries, or occasions such as Mother’s Day.
“A black or white decision is required in this instance to ensure no confusion among players, club officials, government and the media. It’s unfortunate but ultimately no different to what all families faced recently at Easter.
“Any communication in relation to Mother’s Day is to occur via telephone or video conferencing.”
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Under the NRL’s strict new biosecurity protocols players are unable to have any visitors. They are made to fill out a daily “whereabouts confirmation” that includes detailing their whereabouts for the past 24 hours, listing the people they have been in contact with and confirm no visitors have been at their house.
Chairman Peter V’landys said “the protocols have not changed”.
“They have to abide by the protocols,” V’landys said.
Veteran Roosters winger Brett Morris said he understood the decision.
“We all have phones, they all have cameras on them,” Morris said. “You can FaceTime. She doesn’t need to see us face-to-face to know how much we love her.”
The NRL has also put off contact at training until Monday despite some teams hopeful they could resume tackling and wrestling practice as early as Saturday.
Originally published as NRL warns players against visiting their families this Mother’s Day amid biosecurity measures