Warriors given green light to return to Australia

The NRL side will arrive in Tamworth on Sunday after receiving final approval to isolate, train and play in Australia.

Warriors players will travel to Australia on Sunday. Picture: AAP

The New Zealand Warriors will arrive in Tamworth on Sunday afternoon after the NRL received final approval for the club to isolate, train and play in Australia.

Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton confirmed the Auckland-based side had been granted permission by Border Force to fly to Australia on Saturday morning.

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— Peter Dutton (@PeterDutton_MP) May 2, 2020

ARL Commission chair Peter V’landys thanked the federal and state governments for their assistance in the matter.

The Warriors will enter 14 days isolation in Tamworth, where they will be permitted to train in the lead-up to the recommencement of the Premiership on May 28.

“This is an excellent outcome for rugby league and another step towards the competition resuming on May 28,’’ V’landys said.

Warriors players will return to Australia on Sunday. Picture: AAP

“I want to thank the federal and state governments, in particular Border Force and NSW State Emergency Operation Centre for their assistance in making the Warriors’ arrival a reality.

“The club will follow the strictest biosecurity protocols and, like all clubs, will participate in an education day about the protocols on Monday morning.”

V’landys paid tribute to the Warriors players, staff and their families for the sacrifices they had made.

“As a game we cannot thank the Warriors enough for everything they are doing,” V’landys said.

“Right from the start of this pandemic the club and its players have put the competition first and for that we will be forever thankful.”