Canterbury have become entangled in the Crossroads Hotel COVID-19 cluster with NRL centre Jake Averillo stood down from training and forced into isolation.
The 19-year-old Averillo lives at home with his parents who attended the hotel in Sydney’s south-west on July 5, where 13 cases of the virus have been linked.
Averillo, who has not played in the NRL since round seven, will be tested for COVID-19 on Monday and will remain in isolation until at least July 19.
Both of his parents were tested over the weekend and will be re-tested on Sunday to ensure a clean bill of health for Averillo to return to training.
It’s the second case of enforced isolation for the Bulldogs after skipper Aidan Tolman missed two matches due to a teacher at his child’s school contracted the virus.
It comes as a Parramatta rookie who breached NRL biosecurity protocols on Sunday night was banned from returning to Eels training.
Stefano Utoikamanu made his NRL debut in Sunday’s win over Newcastle but broke health protocols by embracing family members and friends in the crowd after fulltime.
The 20-year-old remains a part of the Eels’ bubble, but it’s understood he is unable to return to training until the people he made close contact with pass a COVID-19 test.
Rob
Guest
Right now it’s so important that people are honest and willing to do the right thing. Well done to Averillo, his family and the Bulldogs for doing everything they can to help the other players, teams and supporters stay safe. It is what it is I hope he’s good to go again on July 20.
Ben Lewis
Roar Pro
I don’t think we’ll see the full season played. It’s only a matter of time before an outbreak occurs inside a team, especially since the Apollo Protocols have been rolled back.
AGO74
Guest
Time for V'landy's to move all the teams out to the middle of nowhere!
The Barry
Roar Guru
Interesting to see what happens if Averillo or his parents test positive They attended on the 5th, it’s now the 13th...I doubt has Averillo been isolated from the team that whole time
Albo
Roar Rookie
Unlucky for Jake Averillo. But it serves as a further reminder warning to all players & Club officials to keep their wits about them regarding social distancing. You don't want to leave your team short of your services for a couple of matches. Nathan Cleary was very lucky his absence at the restart probably only cost his team the one competition point with that Knights draw. But if you are trying to make the finals , your absence could be devastating to your team's chances.