NRL players are anxious about having to travel to keep the season alive as well as the health of their families according to the Rugby League Players Association chief executive Ian Prendergast.
While ARL chairman Peter V’landys has said players are healthy and at low risk of serious illness even if they do contract coronavirus, players are worried their vulnerable families could be directly affected.
The RLPA is working closely with club delegates to ensure players views are represented in decisions being made by the NRL during the uncertain coronavirus pandemic.
However, Prendergast told AAP on Sunday that players are anxious about what it will take to keep playing in round two without crowds and how that will affect their families.
“There’s a decent level of anxiety among them, particularly around travel as opposed to playing in front of empty stadiums,” he said.
“It’s not really about their health but in relation to the health of their young families or grandparents, and it’s natural for them to have those concerns.
“We’re doing everything we can to give them as much information as the NRL is privy to from government experts.”
It comes as the Australian government announces stricter border restrictions from midnight on Sunday, with anyone returning from overseas required to self-isolate for 14 days.
The new restrictions will directly impact parts of the NRL, with the Warriors to remain in Australia indefinitely to avoid a compulsory isolation period if they return to New Zealand.
Originally, the Warriors planned to fly players’ families to Australia to join them in camp in Kingscliff, although that is now in doubt.
Current advice to Australians is to start social distancing, while people have begun to self-isolate if they are able to stop the spread of the virus.
North Queensland skipper Michael Morgan has already said he would prefer the season to be postponed rather than continue to play in front of empty stadiums.
NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg confirmed on Sunday morning that if players did not want to play in round two, they will not be forced to.
Prendergast confirmed there is no contractual obligation for them to play under these circumstances.
“The feedback has been that (the NRL) will support players’ decisions based on their circumstances,” he said.
“They’re entitled to make that choice but that’s one of the issues we need to seek further clarity around.”
