Fresh Covid scandal threatens the NRL only one month earlier than the finals as optimistic RAT cartridge discovered at Manly’s 4 Pines Park after Friday evening’s loss to Parramatta
- Positive RAT cartridge discovered within the media room at 4 Pines Park on Friday evening
- Followed Parramatta’s commanding 36-20 spherical 21 win over Manly Sea Eagles
- Manly skipper Daly Cherry-Evans did not entrance the put up recreation press convention
- Parramatta coach Brad Arthur later spoke exterior a ladies’s rest room to reporters
The NRL has been rocked by a brand new Covid-19 scandal only a month earlier than the finals.
In weird scenes, a optimistic RAT cartridge was noticed within the post-match media room simply earlier than the Manly and Parramatta coaches had been because of converse at 4 Pines Park on Friday evening.
An NRL official was alerted and mentioned the scenario with each the Sea Eagles and Eels – whereas a scrum of bemused journalists remained within the press convention room about 4 metres from the check.
It stays unclear the place the optimistic check got here from, given gamers and employees from each golf equipment – in addition to reporters – examined unfavourable as a part of common pre-game Covid exams.
Sea Eagles coach Des Hasler finally got here out for his scheduled press convention – however skipper Daly Cherry-Evans selected to remain within the dwelling sheds to keep away from being doubtlessly uncovered to the check.
In weird scenes, a optimistic RAT check was noticed within the post-match media room simply earlier than Manly’s and Parramatta’s NRL coaches had been because of converse at 4 Pines Park on Friday evening
It stays unclear the place the optimistic check got here from, given gamers and employees from each golf equipment – in addition to reporters – examined unfavourable as a part of common pre-game Covid testing
A prolonged delay then adopted, earlier than Eels boss Brad Arthur gave his ideas on his aspect’s 36-20 victory – exterior a ladies’s rest room close to the primary entry of the bottom.
To cap off the distinctive scenario, Parramatta gamers refused to do interviews after the sport.
The likes of captain Clint Gutherson and Dylan Brown had been eager to keep away from any danger of being uncovered to the virus.
The optimistic RAT check was later eliminated by an NRL official.
On the sphere, Manly’s probabilities of ending within the high eight nosedived because of a Gutherson masterclass.
The native junior from Cromer Kingfishers on Sydney’s northern seashores ran for 179 metres, had three attempt assists, two line-breaks, three deal with busts and scored an excellent particular person attempt with the sport on the road.
With halfback Mitchell Moses injured, the Eels wanted their captain to ship – and he did not disappoint.
Parramatta’s push for the highest 4 is now trying promising, as they try for week to week consistency.
Victories the previous two rounds over Manly and Penrith have supplied appreciable optimism for Eels followers, who have not celebrated a premiership since 1986.
Meanwhile, Hasler conceded his crew must win their ultimate 4 matches versus the Titans, Sharks, Raiders and Bulldogs if they’re to characteristic when it issues in September.
They are anticipated to be with out Kieran Foran for a minimum of every week, after the star pivot tweaked his hamstring late within the contest.
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