The NRLPA are complaining about the COVID protocols for the upcoming season ... because apparently drinking outside in the beer garden or having a feed at outside tables is too much of a hassle.
Rapana and Wighton have also spoken out on social media
Rapana says:
“I have never seen a vaccine that forced me to wear a mask and maintain my social distance, even when you are fully vaccinated. I had never heard of a vaccine that spreads the virus even after vaccination,” Rapana said on social media.
“I had never heard of rewards, discounts, incentives to get vaccinated. I never saw discrimination for those who didn’t...”
Clint Newton says:
“What the key problem and concerns for us was the restrictions to be placed on players was over and above what the state requirements are,” Newton said.
“In past two years, we’ve operated over and above what community expectations were but that was when Covid was at a low transmission rate.
“We’re in a situation now where hundreds of thousands of people are infected with Covid, either with symptoms or are asymptomatic.
“Trying to stop Covid coming into rugby league, will be like me trying to stop an avalanche with a leaf blower.
“You’re not going to stop it so we’re going to have to work to live with it and the best way to do that, is to allow now more than ever, players to live under no restrictions other than state requirements.”
“Look, no one wants to go back into a bubble,” Newton said.
“However, players are also aware to continue playing rugby league or to travel, there may be some restrictions but that needs to be worked through with us, with a clear rationale around why.”
