The Warriors will have the chance to apply for a player switch if any of their squad needs to return to New Zealand once they arrive in Australia on Sunday.
The NRL’s nomads are yet to touch down in Tamworth, but Warriors boss Cameron George is ensuring his players and their families back in New Zealand are mentally equipped to deal with their next test.
Australian Border Force clearance finally arrived on Saturday morning for the squad, who are due to arrive in the NSW country town barely 24 hours later and not likely to return until the season is complete in October.
Warriors chief executive George hopes families can follow in coming months and that they can shift from Tamworth, after two weeks of training in strict isolation, to the Central Coast and ideally play “home games” in Gosford.
An in-house wellbeing officer will remain with the team during the season, while the club will ensure their families have support around the clock.
The club also has the option to apply for a replacement if any player needs to return home prematurely.
“The squad we’re taking across is the intended squad that we play with for the duration of the season,” George said.
“But if things change for personal reasons for individuals, on a case-by-case basis we can make an application to the NRL, particularly on compassionate grounds.
“The NRL have been really good in that regard and … they’re prepared to at least look at an application from our club, which is a good assurance for us.”
While Australian NRL players have at least been able to train in groups of two, the Warriors have endured a complete lockdown.
“When they get into camp next week they can physically see them and look at them, see how they’re running,” George said.
“But everything’s been pretty good so far.
“It’s been a really challenging few weeks so to get that notification only 24 hours before we were due to depart was a big relief for our club and players.
“They’re very excited about what lies ahead.”
E-Meter
Roar Rookie
Welcome Warriors. Good luck.
bigbaz
Roar Guru
So , they’re gunna become the Crusaders of league. Wish them well.
Pickett
Roar Rookie
Mrs Palmer will help.
Adam
Roar Guru
5 months is a long time for anyone with kids, especially under 5. Good on the Warriors. And like many above I'll throw my support and $ the Warriors way this year.
Verfel
Roar Rookie
Both sides!
RoryStorm
Guest
All credit to V'Landy as he has on more that one occasion expressed his appreciation for what they are doing to help keep the competition going this year. I will be interested to see which teams they now have to play twice. On a slightly different topic, it's been interesting listening to sports radio in Melbourne talking about the NRL season. When the comp ground to a halt after the two games and V'Landy almost immediately began to create a pathway to try and get the comp back ASAP, the AFL commentators and AFL fans as one all mocked V'Landy. As the days and weeks dragged on, they slowly and begrudgingly acknowledged that they wished their administration had of got on the front foot also. They still don't have a starting date to aim for as far as I know. They are probably waiting to see how things pan out for our comp.? Like NRL fans, the AFL fans dearly want their comp up and running like yesterday. Personally, I think V'Landy is the best thing that could have happened to the NRL in a long, long time. He obviously knows how to argue a case and he does seem to know the right people.
RoryStorm
Guest
I can't really see the Warriors winning the comp but if they did, I seriously doubt anyone would mind regardless of which club they support. I don't know if at that age with little kids or even babies that I would have been able to seperate myself from my family for over five months. I know they are professional sportsmen and I suppose like many in the workforce, they don't have enough money in reserve to sit out the season but still, it is a very big ask. Then there's the enjoyable part of making babies they are going to miss out on too for this period of time. Now that in itself is a big ask (tongue in cheek). I'll buy one of those season tickets of theirs as a footy fan, that's the least I can do.
Succhi
Roar Rookie
I not a Warriors supporter, but I will buy a membership/supporters package for this year.
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
Never thought I would do anything like this but am now an Aussie Warrior. Great idea Nat.
Nat
Roar Guru
Most of us can probably go one better. Non tciketed memberships exclusive to Aust fans: $19.95. I'm in. https://www.warriors.kiwi/membership/packages/non-ticketed/AllAus/
Dayer
Roar Rookie
All the Warriors need to do now is win the 2020 Grand final and then they will become legendary. They will go into the history books as the team that beat the corona virus. :thumbup:
Big Daddy
Guest
Apology accepted. It's sweet. No grudges on this site. Every one is fairly emotional on this topic.
souvalis
Roar Rookie
Sorry BD..you’re right..
Big Daddy
Guest
It wasn't a complaint. It was a comment, simple as that.
souvalis
Roar Rookie
Well, your complaint is pretty clearly covered in paragraph 4 of this article, so what’s the ‘opinion’ ?
Big Daddy
Guest
How long did it take you to think of that. My stance doesn't change. That's what's called having an opinion and you have a dig at me for a simple fact.
souvalis
Roar Rookie
Oh look, Big Daddy’s got something positive and supportive to say about the NRL.....oh, wait..
Big Daddy
Guest
Once they leave Tamworth they'll be domiciled on the Central Coast and play their home matches in Gosford. Good move.
souvalis
Roar Rookie
They manlfest this grit and sacrifice into on-field performance they’ll become legendary.
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
Totally agree Paul. The Warriors were prepared to stay in Australia before the comp was put on hold as well. Great stuff and I wish them every success.