Three Titans players stood down for refusing flu shot
The Gold Coast Titans have stood down three players - including Bryce Cartwright - after the NRL advised all three Queensland clubs their players must receive the flu vaccination to train and play.
A source with knowledge of the situation told the Herald the NRL wrote to the three Queensland clubs on Friday afternoon, advising them of a condition in the exemption granted by the state government that dictates all 32 players and 18 staff in their 'bubble' must receive a flu shot.
Given three Titans players - including Cartwright - have refused to receive the shot, Gold Coast had little choice but to stand down the trio.
Queensland's Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young confirmed on Friday the players had been stood down for refusing the jab.
Young said the government was awaiting further information before allowing the players to resume training.
The decision comes hours after Prime Minister Scott Morrison declared the federal government would back any state-based decision to enforce a 'no jab, no play' policy.
"Ultimately, states and territories have to determine what the health requirements are as they apply to the NRL," Morrison said. "And if they were to be insisting on that, I would think that is entirely reasonable."
Australian chief medical officer Brendan Murphy left the decision to the respective states but said he would personally like to see the flu shot made mandatory.
"I personally have a view that everyone should get a flu shot, and it's important. But I think that's a matter for the relevant states," Murphy said.
The Herald has contacted NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian's office to determine whether the NSW government will follow suit.
More to come