NRL Covid: Manly star Josh Aloiai becomes first player to test positive while training for Paul Gallen fight

After being ensconced in a protective bubble for nearly two years, the NRL has been rocked when high-profile Manly prop Josh Aloiai became the NRL’s first pandemic victim.

Pictured are boxers Paul Gallen and Justis Huni in their bout for the Australian Heavyweight Title held at the ICC in Sydney. Picture: Richard Dobson

It was the day a boxing event was cancelled and Covid-19 finally infiltrated the NRL ranks.

After being ensconced in a protective bubble for nearly two years, the NRL on Wednesday was rocked when high-profile Manly prop Josh Aloiai became the NRL’s first pandemic victim.

The shock positive Covid result forced Aloiai to postpone his anticipated heavyweight fight with former Cronulla star Paul Gallen in Newcastle on December 10.

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Josh Aloiai is feeling ‘pretty crook’ after his Covid diagnosis.

It then ignited huge scares for NRL clubs Manly and the Wests Tigers when it was revealed former NRL star Joey Leilua had also contracted the virus.

Leilua had been a sparring partner for Aloiai, and was due to fight Chris Heighington on the same card.

Nervous Tigers officials reached straight out to their star forward, Leilua’s brother Luciano, to ascertain whether he had been in contact with him.

He assured them he hadn’t.

Relieved Manly officials revealed Aloiai has been sparring solo for the bout while on holidays from the Sea Eagles and has not been in contact with any of his teammates.

Aloiai is double vaccinated and not due back to off-season training for another three weeks.

“I got the test result last night,” he said.

Former NRL star Joey Leilua has also caught Covid.

“I’m gutted – I’ve been in the gym six days a week to prepare for this.

“I feel really bad for Paul, hopefully he can find another opponent. It’s not easy training for a fight.

“Hopefully the fact I’m double vaxxed will take a bit of edge off the illness but I’m feeling pretty crook.

“The doctors say it will be a couple of weeks before I get better. It might be longer.

“I was a close contact. The good thing is I haven’t been in contact with any of the footy boys at Manly. From here on I’ll just focus on football.”

The Aloiai drama comes after News Corp confirmed his former Wests Tigers teammate Joey Leilua, also preparing for a professional fight on the same card, has contracted Covid. The pair came into contact while preparing for their individual fights.

“Manly Warringah Sea Eagles can confirm NRL player Josh Aloiai has today received a positive Covid test result,” the club said in a statement on Wednesday afternoon.

Paul Gallen is on the lookout for a new opponent.

“Josh was not due to return to official team training until mid-December and has had no recent face-to-face contact with his Manly teammates.

“He is fully vaccinated and the club is working with the NRL to ensure he follows NSW Health Orders and NRL protocols over the coming weeks.”

While refusing to panic given it’s the off-season, NRL management will be closely monitoring the Aloiai situation.

“We’ve got protocols established which are aligned with the Public Health Orders,” ARL Commissioner and Project Apollo chairman Wayne Pearce said. “We will follow those guidelines.”

Aloiai fell ill after training for the Gallen fight on Monday.

The positive test comes as the NRL desperately scramble to have every player jabbed before the start of next season.

“Josh isn’t due back until mid-December,” Manly CEO Stephen Humphreys confirmed.

Aloiai fell ill after training for the Gallen fight on Monday

“He will have to follow the health orders and regulations for someone who contracts Covid. That would mean self-isolation and plenty of tests.”

Asked whether Aloiai had been in contact with Manly teammates, Humphreys said: “No, he hasn’t been in touch with anyone.”

It is understood the entire Manly squad has either had one inoculation or been double jabbed.

Leilua’s positive result has led to the cancellation of his fight with former NRL player Chris Heighington in Newcastle on December 10.

Leilua, the former Wests Tigers, Sydney Roosters, Newcastle and Canberra centre, has signed a one-year contract with English second-division club, Featherstone Rovers. He does not hold a current NRL contract.

There are between 10 and 15 players who remain unvaccinated with the NRL hoping to have less than five before round one starts next season on March 10.