Bulldogs given all-clear on COVID-19 tests but Aiden Tolman in limbo

Canterbury players and officials have been cleared of COVID-19 but the return of prop Aiden Tolman remains in limbo.

Bulldogs veteran Aiden Tolman could be sidelined for a fortnight. Picture: AAP

As Canterbury licked their wounds in the wake of a heavy defeat to the Sydney Roosters on Monday night they were still waiting to hear if prop Aiden Tolman can step out of quarantine.

Bulldogs players and officials have been cleared of COVID-19 but the return of Tolman remains in limbo as they attempt to fast-track his comeback for Sunday’s game against Cronulla. The Bulldogs were crunched 42-6 by a rampant Roosters side with fullback James Tedesco racking up a hat-trick and Angus Crichton scoring a brace of tries.

Tolman remains in isolation and is expected to have a second COVID-19 test this week, having initially been cleared after being tested at the weekend. The Bulldogs veteran is facing as much as a fortnight on the sidelines, although Canterbury officials are locked in discussions with the NRL as they attempt to bring that date forward.

Tolman was isolated and tested after a teacher at his child’s primary school was found to have COVID-19. It is understood he may need to be tested on two more occasions before he is allowed to return to the NRL.

Tolman is also being told if he returns to the family home, he will need to start the 14-day isolation period again. The Bulldogs took the precautionary step of testing every person inside their bubble, the results coming back to the club only hours before their loss to the Roosters. The game had been postponed for 24 hours due to Tolman’s COVID-19 saga.

“All Bulldogs players and staff within the club ‘bubble’ have been given clearance after undergoing COVID-19 tests yesterday,” the Bulldogs said on Monday.

“The results of the tests were relayed to the club this afternoon. Aiden Tolman and his family were also cleared after tests and Aiden will now follow isolation protocols until being given permission by the NRL to train with the Bulldogs squad again.”

ARL Commission chairman Peter V’landys said he always believed the tests would come back negative. “We were pretty confident about it,” V’landys said.

“Because Aiden Tolman came back negative there was a very remote chance that anyone else at the club would have it. It shows we are not taking any chances whatsoever. It was a very minute risk. But we wouldn’t want to take it.”

Meanwhile, Canterbury’s push to play their round eight game against South Sydney at ANZ Stadium will hinge on a report that is set to be finalised on Tuesday.

The NRL has been analysing the stadium situation and will furnish the ARL Commission with its recommendations around plans for stadium use from July 1, when the new government crowd guidelines kick in.

From July 1, stadiums that can accommodate up to 40,000 spectators will be allowed to operate at 25 per cent capacity. However, Souths and Canterbury are pushing for their game on July 5 to be played at ANZ Stadium, which holds more than 70,000.

The final decision will hinge on the report that will be passed onto the ARL Commission on Tuesday.

“We’re analysing it as we speak,” V’landys said.

“We will have a report tomorrow. We will be ready to go on July 1.”

Canterbury’s hopes – along with those of numerous other clubs – of securing Dragons winger Jason Saab have hit a roadblock after St George Illawarra confirmed they were working with the youngster to ease his concerns over his future.

Saab has requested a release on more than one occasion but the Dragons are holding firm. Chief executive Ryan Webb released a statement to members on Monday in which he insisted the club hoped to convince Saab to stay.

Webb also confirmed that Tristan Sailor had not requested a release and said the club was comfortable with their decision to let hooker Issac Luke join the Brisbane Broncos.

“Jason Saab has requested a release which the club have denied,” Webb wrote.

“We are now working with Jason and his manager in an effort to overcome his off-field concerns.”

As for Luke, Webb said: “Isaac Luke has also requested a release for personal reasons regarding his family. While not yet confirmed, Issac’s release will be finalised this week.

“The club are also comfortable with its current crop of hookers considering Cameron McInnes, Billy Brittain and Ben Hunt’s ability to all don the No 9 jumper.”