Former Seven network stars throw support behind NRL star Bryce Cartwright

Aussie Isabel Lucas is among the high profile stars to publicly support NRL player Bryce Cartwright after he refused a flu vaccination.

Stood down NRL star Bryce Cartwright has found allies in former Home and Away actor Isabel Lucas and former My Kitchen Rules judge Pete Evans after he was stood down for refusing to receive a flu vaccination.

Cartwright and fellow Gold Coast Titans teammate Brian Kelly were stood down by the team after a biosecurity document sent to players and governments last week by the NRL said all players must receive the vaccine, unless they sign a waiver to continue playing.

Up to 20 players across the NRL have so far refused to be vaccinated for varying reasons ahead of the May 28 restart, either for having suffered adverse reactions in the past or on ethical grounds.

The issue has caused widespread backlash across the country, but Cartwright’s stance has now been backed by Lucas and Evans.

Lucas raised eyebrows after posting online about coronavirus vaccines while Evans’ run with the Seven network came to an end after he also shared controversial views online.

In a post on his Instagram account, Lucas threw her support behind the stood down NRL star.

“THANK YOU. We are so grateful to you speaking up for this basic human right — freedom of choice. We are backing you. Keep standing for #prochoice. You are so courageous,” she wrote on Instagram.

Evans also commented on the post by sharing four heart emojis in support of Cartwright.

NSW’s chief health officer has urged all NRL players to receive the flu vaccine, but says she won’t step in to stop them from training or playing if they don’t.

But the Queensland government has stood firm insisting players must receive the jab. Since Cartwright and Kelly were stood down, the Titans reportedly haven’t heard from either player.

@GCTitans coach Justin Holbrook says the club has not heard from Bryce Cartwright or Brian Kelly in regards to their decision not to have the flu shot. The pair still can't train. @9NewsGoldCoast

— Dominique Loudon (@dloudon9) May 11, 2020

NSW CHO Kerry Chant reaffirmed on Monday her state won’t follow Queensland, leaving the decision to the NRL.

“It is really a matter for the NRL as a workplace employer to consider their occupational health and safety obligations,” Chant said.

“Clearly there will be ramifications for them.

Isabel Lucas had something to say.

“It is in their best interest to exclude any flu-like illness amongst players because according to their plan any player who has any respiratory illness is not allowed to play.

“And it potentially will take the whole team out.” Chant’s comments follow the NSW government’s push for as many people as possible in the state to have the needle, in a bid to slow down the spread of the flu during the COVID-19 crisis.

Her stance comes after players’ union board member and Cronulla captain Wade Graham put pressure on his colleagues to get the needle.

However, Manly five-eighth Dylan Walker has been vocal in his right to have a choice over whether to receive the needle.

“Whether you want to approach a headache with some rest or with a tablet, is up to you,” Walker posted on Instagram over the weekend.

“Whether you want to inject a vaccine or not, is up to you. Whether you eat certain foods or not, is up to you.

“Some things are more controversial than others, but that does not mean that everyone should be forced, expected or coerced to do the same thing. “Health means something different to us all.”

- with AAP