NRL considering moving Storm matches amid Victorian COVID-19 outbreak
The NRL is considering moving the Storm's clash against the Warriors to NSW after a spike in COVID-19 positives in Victoria including an AFL player from the Essendon club.
Melbourne are due to host the Warriors at AAMI Park on Friday night before two-time defending premiers the Roosters arrive in town the following week.
Ryan Papenhuyzen and Cameron Smith could be forced to play upcoming matches in NSW.Credit:Getty Images
But after an outbreak of clusters in the southern capital, the NRL is mulling switching matches across the border. A final decision is yet to be made on whether the Warriors game will go ahead at AAMI Park.
The Warriors have been based at the Central Coast since returning to Australia to allow the NRL competition to resume last month.
"The NRL and Melbourne Storm are closely monitoring the situation in Victoria in response to the increase in positive COVID-19 tests in recent days," the Storm said in a statement.
Essendon defender Conor McKenna returned a positive COVID-19 test over the weekend, forcing the postponement of his side's clash against Melbourne on Sunday.
The rest of the Bombers squad were being tested on Monday.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has urged the state's residents not to travel to Victoria unless necessary.
More to come