Set for take-off: Warriors officially cleared for Australian flight
The New Zealand Warriors have been granted official approval to fly to Australia as the NRL took a giant leap towards resuming its season at the end of the month.
After a week of confusion and less than 24 hours after Prime Minister Scott Morrison denied Border Force had officially rubber stamped the flight, the Warriors will land in Tamworth on Sunday.
The New Zealand Warriors have been officially cleared to fly to Australia. Credit:NRL Photos
Stephen Kearney's men will spend 14 days in isolation in the country music capital, but will be allowed to quarantine as a group paving the way for all 16 clubs to resume training next week.
Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V'landys wants the NRL season to relaunch on May 28.
"This is an excellent outcome for rugby league and another step towards the competition resuming on May 28," V'landys said.
"I want to thank the federal and state governments, in particular Border Force and NSW State Emergency Operation Centre for their assistance in making the Warriors arrival a reality.
"The club will follow the strictest biosecurity protocols and, like all clubs, will participate in an education day about the [biosecurity] protocols on Monday morning.
"As a game we cannot thank the Warriors enough for everything they are doing. Right from the start of this pandemic the club and its players have put the competition first and for that we will be forever thankful."