NRL 2020: Anti-vax players stood down, Bra Boys’ Koby Abberton supports Bryce Cartwright

The boss of Sydney surf gang Bra Boys has launched a stunning defence of the WAGS on the front line of the NRL’s anti-vaccination storm.

Bra Boys boss Koby Abberton has sensationally joined the host of stars going public with their support for the NRL players at the centre of the league’s anti-vaccination storm.

The surf gang leader, famously featured in the 2007 Bra Boys: Blood Is Thicker than Water documentary, on Monday posted a determined defence of the NRL players and WAGS in their ongoing stand-off with the league and the Queensland government.

Titans stars Bryce Cartwright and Brian Kelly have not trained with the NRL squad since the Queensland government held firm on a ‘no jab, no play’ policy it believes was promised in the game’s biosecurity guidelines.

Cartwright and Kelly are reportedly among 20 players to have refused the NRL’s request for all players to receive a common flu shot before the season re-starts on May 28.

It emerged on Monday night that the situation could be headed for the courts with the Titans considering asking the NRL for compensation if two of the clubs stars are made unavailable for the rest of the season.

Meanwhile, the Sydney Morning Herald reports the club is also considering cutting off the pair from their scheduled monthly payments if they remain stood down because of their hold out against the flu jab.

The Titans are reportedly still hoping for a backflip from the Queensland government that would allow them to be available for selection even without receiving a flu shot.

The report claims the Titans would consider ripping up Cartwright’s reported $600,000 per season deal if he is unavailable to play on the grounds that his current exile from teammates and training is the result of personal beliefs.

Bryce Cartwright has a lot to lose.

The report took another twist on Monday night when Abberton took to Instagram to speak out in defence of the former Penrith star and his partner Shanelle, who has previously advocated against children being vaccinated.

Abberton’s post praises Shanelle and her husband for their public stand.

“To see the way the Australian Media is portraying her and @brycecartwright6 and there [sic] young family is wrong,” he wrote.

“If a family is against vaccines that’s on them. They should have a right! If a child gets sick that’s on that family. That’s enough!! Let’s be honest this virus ain’t what we have been sold all day every day for months through the media.

“Not many people got sick at all in Australia. Now the government want us to have another vaccine? Why? We are up to 38 vaccine shots for kids and it’s to [sic] much. Autism is now through the roof and schools for Autism are opening all around Australia. They need to open a lot more! Our appointed leaders and governments ain’t here to help us.”

His post also contained a conspiracy theory that the vaccination program is a tool for greater government control.

“Open your eyes and really look at how all this virus panned out,” he said.

“They are selling us vaccinations and now we are being told no travel, no government help, or medical until your vaccinated. It’s control guys, don’t mind me just see it with your own eyes.”

Isabel Lucas attends the Australian Fashion Laureate 2019.

It comes after former Home and Away actor Isabel Lucas and former My Kitchen Rules judge Pete Evans also launched spirited defences of Cartwright on Monday.

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 her Instagram account, Lucas threw her suppor\t behind the stood down NRL stars.

“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.

While the NRL is confident the Queensland government will relent and accept a vaccination waiver to allow the players to resume training, it’s unknown how long the situation could drag on.

In the meantime, the Titans will continue to seek clarity from the NRL over how to proceed with filling their squad with the season set to start on May 28.

— with AAP