Unfazed by criticism, Gold Coast star Bryce Cartwright says he won’t be bullied into getting a flu shot after prime minister Scott Morrison called for the NRL to adopt a “no jab, no play” approach.
ARL Commission chairman Peter V’landys is set to enter talks with the RLPA in the hope of encouraging players to vaccinate after Cartwright polarised the rugby league community with his stance.
Cartwright has refused a flu shot which is part of the NRL’s strict biosecurity protocols in order to restart the competition next month following the coronavirus shutdown.
It prompted even Morrison to weigh in, saying the NRL should enforce a “no jab, no play” policy that would ensure players who rejected vaccination are suspended from competing.
But Cartwright has dug his heels in, saying it would be “coercion” if he was forced to get a jab against his wishes and claimed he was not the only player in the NRL to refuse vaccination.
Canberra players Josh Papalii, Sia Soliola and Joseph Tapine were reportedly not permitted to train on Wednesday after taking out wording on the NRL’s vaccination waiver and refusing to take the shot on religious grounds.
(Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)
It’s understood the Raiders trio put a line through a sentence, which stated players must accept they are at greater risk of contracting influenza if they did not receive the injection.
Cartwright believed his decision to refuse a jab had been leaked to the media, sparking the “anti-vaxxer” backlash.
“I won’t be bullied into making decisions that could impact my health and the health of my family,” he posted on social media.
“Giving us the ultimatum of get(ting) the shot or be stood down is coercion and leaking private medical information is illegal.
“As for me being the first and apparently only one declining the shot is b******t and far from the truth.”
Cartwright’s wife Shanelle has been outspoken about their family’s decision to deny their children vaccines, posting on social media on Wednesday: “The proof is in the pudding, our kids are a picture of health”.
But Cartwright said he was not an anti-vaxxer.
“I stand for the freedom to choose who goes into our bodies… so to label me an anti-vaxxer is spreading misinformation,” he said.
(Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
But Cartwright added: “I know people in my industry with vaccine-injured children and the herd NEVER stuck around for them.
“These are our bodies and we decide what goes in them.”
Cartwright has signed a vaccination waiver in order to train with the Titans but must explain his actions to NRL chief medical officer Paul Bloomfield.
An NRL spokesperson said players who refused to receive the shot would be dealt with on a case-by-case basis amid consultation with club and NRL medical staff.
While reports claimed Cartwright faced a ban, the NRL spokesperson refused to speculate on possible penalties.
But V’landys plans to talk with the RLPA players’ union and stress the importance of players getting a shot this week.
Chris.P.Bacon
Guest
Not a problem Birdy. Yep, it's quite 'peculiar' what some people will believe!
Birdy
Roar Rookie
Thanks Chris.p. Just googled it.i can't believe someone like Scott Woodward could get sucked into something like that. The good thing is, now I can go back to hating anti vaxxers without feeling guilty.
Simoc
Guest
The problem with idiots like Cartwright is that the evidence is overwhelming for taking the flu shot, yet the poorly educated like Cartwright want to make heroes of themselves among the idiots. There is always a market for those stooping low. It would be horrific for them if one of their children was to die through their lack of education.
Rob
Guest
Got a love the President applauding the wonderful protesters displaying their civil rights carrying their assault riffles during the peaceful demonstrations? Never new peaceful meant bring your semi automatic to town. Can you shoot Covid19? They have displayed themselves as bunch of imbecilic rednecks that revert to intimidation when under presssure.
Chris.P.Bacon
Guest
Birdy, just google 'Plandemic' and/or 'Dr. Judy Mikovits'. The post was correctly removed as it was highlighting spurious nonsense.
Birdy
Roar Rookie
I just found it strange that it was taken down.Sure it had a very controversial view . But assuming the roar adjudicators took it down that's extremely odd for what I've read over the years.
Censored Often
Roar Rookie
I'd be shocked if Bryce Cartwright could spell coercion.
Rob
Guest
Yeah what happened to that insightful piece of stupidity? Don’t matter he’s a statistical genius who knows more than us average Joe’.
Rob
Guest
That’s exactly how stupid their argument is. Risk a hundred transmissionable conditions like HIV, hepatitis, TB (not you Barry) or allergic reaction to dye from a dirty tattoo needle to look cool and tough. But don’t give me a dead medically proven jab to help the community limit the spread of a flu virus that may kill thoses less fortunate.
Davico
Roar Pro
To be fair, his wife is the one going on the front foot and has in the past pushed an anti-vaxx agenda. She has also promoted Winterstein's wife and her vaccination scaremongering and attempted profiteering of the the religious beliefs and fears of her husbands home country! If they want to push an agenda etc, then they are fair game for mine. She is trying to use her husbands position as a professional footballer to spout rubbish that has been debunked by ACTUAL SCIENCE! She deserves all she cops.
Davico
Roar Pro
I also find it hilarious that all these guys saying they won't have a flu shot all have tattoos. I would put any money you like that they have no clue as to what is in the ink used! Also, for the islander guys using the "religious" defence, I suggest they read the Old Testament, as it says that marking of the body (tattoos) is prohibited!
Birdy
Roar Rookie
I could swear I saw a Scott Woodward post yesterday. Don't know where it's gone. It simply stated a different view to the rest of us.
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
Isn’t the point here that government permission to play is based on some basic assumptions. One is that all players have a flu jab to limit as much as possible in the absence of a vaccine the chances of getting Covid19. If players won’t sign up for this basic prerequisite they shouldn’t play. Simple enough
Ian_
Roar Rookie
I think he has a valid complaint about this being leaked to the media. His medical treatment choices should not need to be in the public domain.
Nick
Roar Guru
A turnstile is still touched I guess.
Succhi
Roar Rookie
Bryce is assuming (1) He will play first grade this year, and (2) If he does play he will actually come into contact with an opposition player.
Gray-Hand
Roar Rookie
Apparently Cartwright was originally a normal decent human being who wanted to protect his children from deadly, preventable diseases, but his wife bludgeoned him into submission with her craziness.
Gray-Hand
Roar Rookie
The least of their worries is ever having to one day pay a HECS debt.
Nick
Roar Guru
Apparently, according to Phil Gould (Who I'm loathe to side with normally), the flu shot is an annual part of the NRL club program. And your comments notwithstanding, these loons have a responsibility to more than themselves in these times.
Gray-Hand
Roar Rookie
Well, it is in this case. The whole reason these guys don’t want to get flu shots is because the flu shot is a vaccine and they are antivaxer f-wits. The reason the flu shot isn’t part of any formal vaccination program is because the flu vaccine changes every year.