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Warriors coach won’t stop homesick players quitting
SYDNEY, June 27, 2020 (BSS/AFP) – Newly-installed coach of the beleaguered New Zealand Warriors Todd Payten said he will not stop players heading home from Australia amid reports Saturday at least three are on the verge of pulling out.
“There’s a possibility that will happen, I’m not going to stand in their way,” Payten said following Friday night’s 50-6 thrashing by the Melbourne Storm.
It was the third loss in five games since the players left their families and relocated to Australia to take part in the revived National Rugby League — one of the first sports in the world to restart after coronavirus shutdowns.
But it has been a rocky time since they flew out, with Stephen Kearney dumped as coach last week after a hiding by the South Sydney Rabbitohs and Payten’s first game ending in an even bigger loss.
“I think the thing that’s getting them at the moment is the uncertainty around the families and are they coming over,” Payten said.
“We’re actually having a meeting tomorrow with a couple of big dogs from the NRL to get some clarity around that.”
Coronavirus restrictions mean only Australian citizens and permanent residents can enter the country but the Warriors were granted an exemption by the government.
Even if the entire squad decides to stay in Australia, injuries mean it will be difficult for Payten to drop underperforming players.
“We’ve only got four or five fit left in the group,” he said.
The Warriors are the only non-Australian club in the NRL and their decision to shift their base to Australia was pivotal in ensuring a full 16-team season could resume after a lengthy COVID-19 shutdown.
BSS/AFPMSY/1313 hrs