NRL 2020: Penrith winger Charlie Staines training in two-bedroom unit

Scoring four tries against Cronulla seems like a lifetime ago for Penrith young gun Charlie Staines, who is now training by himself in his apartment.

Penrith's Charlie Staines crosses for one of his four tries during his NRL debut against the Cronulla Sharks at Kogarah Oval. Picture. Phil Hillyard

Penrith young gun Charlie Staines has been forced to maintain his fitness in his two-bedroom western Sydney unit after the Panthers’ request for the winger to train inside the club’s bubble was denied by the NRL.

Staines can’t play for two weeks following his biosecurity breach after his stunning four-try debut against Cronulla a fortnight ago.

Only hours after his star performance, the 19-year-old hosted 10 visitors at his place of residence, including his parents, sister, his partner’s parents and four friends.

NRL players can host 10 people per day but only in groups of no more than five according to current biosecurity rules.

Staines also took a trip to the hospital at 2.30am on the Sunday for treatment for lockjaw, an ailment he suffered previously, including during the NRL pre-season.

As a result, he was placed in COVID-19 hold from playing and training after not informing the club of his visitors or his medical treatment without wearing a mask.

Penrith officials attempted to gain approval for a remorseful Staines to train at the club’s base when the players had left for the day, but the request was knocked back.

It has left the Forbes Magpies junior to train inside his unit with a stationary bike and a set of weights.

Penrith rookie Charlie Staines training in his western Sydney unit after being placed on COVID-19 hold for two games for breaking the NRL’s biosecurity rules. Picture: Penrith Panthers

It’s not an ideal situation for Staines, but he has been left with no choice under the NRL’s strict coronavirus restrictions.

The ban is a cruel blow for the young star who had been upgraded from a development contact earlier this year after it was clear he was headed for a first-grade career.

And with some backline injuries, including Brian To’o out for some time, Staines was looking for a decent stint in the Panthers’ side.

Thankfully, the proud Western Rams product will be free to return to the NRL ranks next weekend.

Although Staines could face a battle to earn a starting position after Brent Naden shifted to the wing against North Queensland with Dean Whare and Stephen Crichton teaming up in the centres.

But based on his stellar four-try debut, one would think it wouldn’t be long before we see the Forbes flyer lighting up Penrith’s backline again.