Warriors player Nathaniel Roache forced to stay in New Zealand after sore throat

Nathaniel Roache has become the first player to fall foul of NRL biosecurity protocols, barred from leaving Auckland.

Nathaniel Roache, left, in action for the Warriors during the first-round NRL match against the Canterbury Bulldogs at Mt Smart Stadium on March 16. Picture: Getty Images)

Warriors hooker Nathaniel Roache has become the first player to fall foul of the NRL’s strict new biosecurity protocols after a sore throat prevented him making the trip across the Tasman with his teammates on Sunday,

It is understood the Warriors also left outside back David Fusitua at home because his partner is expecting their first child.

The Warriors boarded a plane earlier on Sunday bound for Tamworth, northern NSW, where they will enter isolation for two weeks. They are then expected to set up a more permanent home on the NSW Central Coast as they prepare for rugby league’s return on May 28.

Roache was expected to be part of their squad but was prevented from travelling under the guidelines introduced by the NRL to govern the game’s return.

Nathaniel Roache, left, was prevented from travelling under the guidelines introduced by the NRL to govern the game’s return. Picture: AAP

Under the guidelines developed with associate professor David Heslop, an infectious diseases and biosecurity expert, players are told they must immediately report any symptoms associated with the coronavirus.

A sore throat is among the symptoms listed in the document. The Melbourne Storm also appear likely to be based in NSW after the Victorian government knocked back their request to train in Melbourne.

The Storm is waiting on approval from the NSW government to be based in Albury, in the state’s south. They will do their education program on Monday with the players at their regular base at AAMP Park in Melbourne.

They, along with every other NRL club, will be forced to adhere to strict conditions governing their return.

The NRL sent an email to clubs on Sunday morning informing them that Dr Heslop had approved level B activities.

Government conditions for level B deem that players can use a ball for kicking and passing. However, they are not allowed to do any tackling or wrestling, and training must be reduced to groups of no more than 10.

The expectation in that the rules will be in place until at least Saturday.