Coronavirus Australia: PM denies Warriors cleared to fly in from New Zealand; Qld opens border for players

Scott Morrison says the Warriors don’t have permission to fly into the country this weekend as Queensland clears border for players.

ARL chief Peter V’landys. Picture: Jonathan Ng

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has hit back at claims that the Warriors have been given permission to fly into the country this weekend.

“In relation to the border issues with New Zealand, that authority has not been provided and no amount of reporting will change that decision,” Prime Minister Morrison said.

“They (Border Force) are working through that application, they have received that application. I know everyone is looking forward to that (sport) coming back but it has to happen in accordance with the health rules.

“I thank the codes for the detailed work they have put in. I know they want to get training going soon and hopefully that can be achieved.

“Those authorities have not been provided and the national cabinet has not provided that endorsement.

“The individual jurisdictions will ultimately provide any of the clearances that are necessary. Ultimately those decisions are made in those states.”

It was widely reported this morning that the Warriors had been granted permission to fly to Australia over the weekend in preparation for a return to training on May 4.

It is understood the NRL was convinced that it was only a matter of time before they were granted the green light.

However, the Prime Minister’s comments add to the concern around plans for the teams to bring their players back into the training environment next week.

The Warriors have made plans to base themselves in Tamworth where they will spend two weeks in isolation in the lead-up to the resumption of the season on May 28.

A spokesman for the Department of Home Affairs confirmed that the Australian Border Force commissioner had received an application by the NRL requesting an exemption for members of the Warriors team to travel to Australia.

“The application is still under consideration pending endorsement of national principles from the National Cabinet meeting today,” the spokesman said.

Queensland gives go-ahead

But the NRL had one win today, with the Queensland government has clearing the way for their clubs to train and play at home. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk told ARL Commission chair Peter V’landys and the respective chief executives of the Brisbane Broncos, North Queensland Cowboys and Gold Coast Titans this afternoon that they could resume training in preparation for the season’s return on May 28.

“I said I was as keen as anyone else to see the NRL return and I meant it,” premier Palaszczuk said.

“The only condition was that it did not put our excellent work containing the spread of COVID-19 at risk and the Chief Health Officer advises that the NRL plan is workable.”

The premier demanded further assurances about the enforcement of home-quarantine measures for rugby league players. A statement from the premier’s office said the NRL and Queensland Health Officer would have further discussions on those measures.

Premier Palaszczuk said the decision gave clubs permission to travel across the Queensland border to play because they are working and they are in quarantine.

Importantly, it also allows Queensland players to remain with their families.

“First round games will be played in Queensland and of course I put in a bid for a local grand final and we all look forward to hosting the State of Origin,” premier Palaszczuk.

Player revolt quelled

Amid talk of a potential player revolt, it is understood ARL Commission chair Peter V’landys eased the concerns of the playing group during a two hour phone hook-up this morning.

The players have agreed to take part in biosecurity education at their respective clubs on Monday before reconsidering their position.

Some players want time to digest the protocols they will be forced to train and play under. However, V’landys said they were committed to taking part in a revived competition from May 28.

“I had a pretty constructive, positive meeting with the players,” V’landys said.

“I take responsibility. They were all looking for clarity than anything else. I provided that clarity and they are absolutely committed to May 28.

“They couldn’t be any more enthusiastic about it. They are going to be there for the information day on Monday.

“After that, they have asked that they get a little bit more time on that. I said let’s talk about that on Monday, if they want more time we will give them more time.

“Realistically, they have to look at all the biosecurity measures and get themselves ready for them all. They are not concerned because they know they can meet May 28.

“They are the experts in that field, not me. They know how they train.”

It is understood for the most part this morning’s discussion was civil despite suggestions on Thursday that the players were unhappy.

Warriors CEO Cameron George. Picture: Dave Rowland/Getty