NRL hoping to avoid player-revolt with rising vaccination numbers revealed

Leaked vaccination data supplied to the NRL can be revealed, amid a backdrop of uncertainty for any NRL player who chooses not to vaccinate.

These are the figures that show just how hard NRL players are tackling vaccination - and proof that the game still has a long way to go.
The leaked vaccination data supplied to the NRL from all 16 clubs can be revealed for the first time amid a constant backdrop of uncertainty for any NRL player who chooses not to vaccinate.
Different training schedules to their vaccinated teammates, the likelihood of being unable to travel interstate or play away games and the potential of forfeiting their million-dollar contracts are all possibilities for unvaccinated players.
The NRL are watching with close interest the vaccination policies being implemented across the major US sports including the NBA where Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving continues to sit out training and playing due to a New York health mandate requiring COVID-19 vaccinations for athletes who play or practise in the city.

While many NRL players have had their first Covid vaccine, there is still a long way to go until the league is close to being fully vaccinated. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

The NRL are stopping short of making vaccination for players mandatory across the code - a position that has confused some clubs and commentators.
As a result, there will be NRL players who choose not to vaccinate.

It’s a burning issue the clubs and governing body know is headed their way.
However, the exclusive data suggests the risk of a mass-player revolt can be considered low.

Since the NRL launched it’s vaccination campaign on August 16, almost three quarters of the list of players registered to a top-30 first grade contract have received their first jab.
The timing of when players have finished their season or return to their place of residence from their Queensland relocation hub and annual leave entitlements are factors being put forward by clubs as to why some players are yet to receive their first jab.
However, some clubs are doing a better job than others.
The Eels and Sharks have led the way from the start with a proactive approach to providing their players and staff with regular information nights and opportunities to receive their first jab.
The two Sydney clubs only have one player left from their top-30 squad who is yet to receive their first jab with both clubs confident that they will be 100 per cent compliant prior to their respective return to pre-season training next month.

Eels stars Isaiah Papali’i and Hayze Perham lined up to get their drive-through Pfizer jab on the Gold Coast. Picture: Emily Toxward

Four clubs - Eels, Sharks, Bulldogs and Cowboys - have recorded a higher first dose rate than the 89.9 per cent registered on Saturday for the entire state of NSW.

The Bulldogs are encouraging all their players and staff to utilise the state’s only public drive-through vaccination facility at Belmore Sportsground - and the initiative has been telling with only three players remaining from Canterbury’s top-30 yet to receive their first jab.

Other clubs, like the Titans, Tigers and Broncos have proven slow-burns.
All three clubs have progressed at a sluggish rate with the two Queensland clubs a by-product of the differing mentality towards vaccination from a state that hasn‘t endured the toll of prolonged lockdown like NSW.
The Tigers - who are yet to fill their top-30 roster with three spots remaining - had initially provided worrying data numbers to the NRL a fortnight ago, but have since improved to the point of having 20 of their 27 first grade contracted players receive their first jab.
The Tigers are preparing to release a club-wide vaccination return-to-work policy in the next 48-hours which will be based on the NSW state health order.

48 Bulldogs players, staff and family members went through a Belmore drive-through vaccination clinic together.

NRL CEO Andrew Abdo spoke with measured confidence - and warning - when asked about the code’s vaccination-numbers.

“All of our playing group are currently on annual leave, but most of our clubs have 20 or more players within their squads who have already received at least one vaccination,” Abdo said.

“There is more work to do but we are heading in the right direction.

“Anyone who isn’t vaccinated next year may face significant challenges. Public Health Orders in some states may restrict travel or the ability to play.

“We know as the country reopens there will most likely be an increase in the number of cases and we will ensure we have the appropriate protocols in place to protect our players, staff and the community.”

The Storm are pushing towards 80 per cent first dose for their players - a crucial figure that must continue to climb given the external pressure from the Victorian Government in order to train at their home AAMI Park.

“The Victorian Government now requires all Melbourne Storm players, coaches and staff to be fully vaccinated by November 26 to enter AAMI Park for training and work,” Storm CEO Justin Rodski said.

“This is a new requirement under the Victorian Government’s health directions and will be mandatory for all “authorised workers”, which has allowed professional sports and other professions to continue working through lockdowns.

“We are confident our players, coaches and staff will be fully vaccinated by the time the club returns for pre-season training from November.”

Eels, Sharks	97%
Bulldogs, Cowboys	above 90%
Rabbitohs, Warriors	above 85%
Storm, Sea Eagles	above 80%
Titans, Knights, Raiders, Dragons, Roosters, Panthers, Tigers	70%
Broncos	65%

* Percentages indicate first jab only for top-30 players on club roster

Originally published as NRL hoping to avoid player-revolt with rising vaccination numbers revealed