NRL players subject to random checks under biosecurity guidelines

NRL players have been warned that they can expect random door knocks from the game’s coronavirus cops under biosecurity protocols.

Melbourne Storm players Jahrome Hughes and Sandor Earl training at Goschs Paddock last Friday. Picture: Ian Currie

NRL players have been warned that they can expect random door knocks from the game’s coronavirus cops to ensure they are adhering to the strict biosecurity guidelines designed to fast-track rugby league’s return.

The Australian has obtained a copy of the player protocols pieced together by associate professor David Heslop, an expert in infectious diseases and biosecurity who is helping the NRL negotiate the resumption of the premiership on May 28.

Much of the information already been made public but the documents also contain provisions around daily health and whereabouts confirmations, as well as a warning that any failure to adhere to these protocols, even by one player or staff member, jeopardises the entire NRL season for everyone

The guidelines state that clubs may conduct random “door knocks at your designated home to check where you should be or where you say you should be”.

It adds that clubs can call players to check on them and their whereabouts, while they can also check that what the players have said or declared is in fact true.

The powers are similar to those given to drug testing officials working under the auspices of organisations such as the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority.

The document also states that players must not provide “false or misleading information to club officials, medical personnel or other designated officials in relation to the requirements in this protocol”.

It specifically details offences such as not telling a club medical officer about coronavirus symptoms; deliberately hiding relevant information; not properly telling the NRL information about where you have been, what you have done, or who you have been with; changing or falsifying your questionnaire or daily reporting; or trying to get around, cheat or break the system.

Players are warned that they may be subject to severe sanctions either from the NRL or from “other agencies” if they choose to do any of the above.

“It is very important that you submit accurate daily health and whereabouts confirmations every day and on time, including on days when you have training,” the document states.

“The relevant authorities have highlighted that the authority to play in the NRL season this year is largely dependent on you personally demonstrating you can adhere to the requirements of this policy.

“Failure to adhere to these protocols, even by one player or staff member, jeopardises the entire NRL season for everyone.”

Players are encouraged to stay at home and told not to have any physical contact with anyone outside their household – “this means no handshakes, kisses, high-fives or hugs”.

“It also means no touching shared devices such as phones for selfies, or pens to sign autographs,” the document reads.

Players are also told that they must always be contactable – their phone must be charged, off mute and in their possession most of the time.

“If your club cannot get a hold of you repeatedly this may result in more stringent requirements on your reporting,” the document states.

The document was finalised on Sunday as players prepare to return to training on Monday, their first duty to be taken through the protocols and educated on their importance and the necessity to follow the rules.

Training on the field is expected to resume on Tuesday, although under government guidelines the players are banned from wrestling or contact, and must be restricted to groups of 10 or less.

Clubs have been told that those restrictions will remain in place until at least Saturday before they are reviewed. Much is expected of the players and the document makes no secret of the fact the game is relying on them for its return.

“You are expected to demonstrate courage and leadership in adhering the requirements outlined,” it says.

“Short term inconvenience will allow the NRL to get back to the season, and look towards relaxation of these requirements across the season.”