Cleary, Trbojevic forced to isolate after player tests positive for COVID at Blues camp

Nathan Cleary and Tom Trbojevic are among more than 30 players and staff being forced to isolate for the week after a player returned a positive test for COVID-19 during the weekend’s Emerging Blues camp.

Multiple sources told the Herald the player was unaware he had symptoms as he joined the likes of Sydney Roosters teen sensation Joseph Suaalii, and Manly pair Haumole Olakau’atu and Jason Saab at the camp.

Players are put through their paces at the Emerging Blues camp over the weekend where there was a positive test for COVID.Credit:Gregg Porteous/NSWRL

NSW coach Brad Fittler did not attend the event as he was already self-isolating following a COVID scare during a regional motorcycle tour.

But Fittler’s support staff, including Greg Alexander, Danny Buderus and Andrew Johns, who has since started work with Newcastle, are all home-bound for the next week.

Cleary and Trbojevic were invited to address the playing group at NSW Rugby League’s Sydney Olympic Park HQ on Saturday night.

Ironically, Cleary is now isolating for the week while Api Koroisau, who refused to be vaccinated, can officially resume training with the Panthers on Wednesday now restrictions for unvaccinated people have been relaxed in NSW.

Nathan Cleary and Tom Trbojevic are being forced to isolate.Credit:Getty

St George Illawarra trio Tyrell Sloan, Jayden Sullivan and Junior Amone were on the NSW south coast at a two-day training camp and were forced to return home and get tested for COVID late on Monday.

Clubs and coaches want clarity about COVID protocols from the NRL, and are worried they will lose players for games during the season when they inevitably come into contact with someone who has tested positive.

The NRL has been discussing its options, and while returning to bubble life for a third straight year is unlikely, some restrictions are expected to be re-introduced closer to kick off in March.

Newcastle players were forced to get tested and isolate as a precaution following the spike in numbers in the Hunter region, while Wests Tigers players lost a day’s training last week because of a COVID scare with a trainer.

Some clubs have become so concerned they have discussed cancelling all community events to give themselves the best chance of avoiding a player contracting the virus.

More to come

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