Eels stuck in COVID bubble drama as awkward Magic Round problem comes to light
Parramatta is reportedly in an awkward situation where coach Brad Arthur might not have enough NRL players inside the team “bubble” to name a full squad this week.
When there was COVID cases in Sydney last week, the NRL imposed Stage 3 restrictions on clubs which effectively put players and staff back inside the bubbles that kept the competition going last year.
An email was sent to all clubs informing them they should withdraw NRL squad players from lower grade competitions this weekend in order to keep them inside the bubble just in case.
The NSW government has since extended the Sydney COVID restrictions for a further week, which will have an impact on teams travelling to Queensland for Magic Round.
The NRL is concerned the Queensland government may close borders to NSW, and only players and staff who have been locked inside the respective bubbles will be allowed to take part in Magic Round.
The Sydney Morning Herald reports the Eels allowed a number of players to leave the bubble and play reserve grade.
Then with NRL players Dylan Brown and Marata Niukore being suspended from Round 9, and Reed Mahoney suffering concussion, Parramatta won’t have enough players fit and inside the bubble to name a 21-man squad.
Shaun Lane of the Eels waves to fans.Source:Getty Images
Earlier, Brown revealed he contacted Roosters player Drew Hutchison to apologise after an incident which punctured the lung of the former on Friday night.
Brown has accepted a three-game suspension for sliding in with his knees as Hutchison scored a try for the Chooks.
Brown made contact with the tryscorer, seriously injuring Hutchison.
“No player likes to see anyone injured,” Brown said in an Eels statement on Sunday.
“Yesterday I contacted Drew to check up on him and apologise.
“I also let him know that it was an accident and never my intention for him to get hurt.”
At the time of the incident Brown went unpenalised.
Fox League analyst Michael Ennis could not believe Brown was allowed to remain on the field, a feeling Roosters coach Trent Robinson also harboured.
“That’s astounding,” Ennis said during the game.
“I don’t know how with all the time we had and bunker reviews that Dylan Brown wasn’t sin binned.
“I don’t know how Dylan Brown is not on report. Have I missed something? Am I seeing something wrong?
“He’s come in with knees. Yes (Marata) Niukore needed to be put on report absolutely but surely Dylan Brown comes into question.”
Brown’s teammate Marata Niukore has also accepted a two-game suspension for making contact with the head of Roosters fullback James Tedesco.
Replies
Hey sluggy! get an eel up ya! :)
i spoke to Kimo n Fred at the game, legendary eels fans god bless em.
Did you sit in your usual seat mate?
LOLLL!
Hi Sluggi, too right mate. I'm wondering what will happen if we can't name a full squad. Surely some players from reserve grade can get a cotton bud shoved up their nose and be cleared ffs. how hard could it be lol
It just means worst case scenario the Warriors and Eels play against each other in NSW not Qld preferably at Bankwest
A lot of speculation in this article. There's no way the NRL jeopardise Magic Round over this. Remember this bubble rule is completely of the NRL's own making. Players could be tested tomorrow and back in the 'bubble' if the NRL wanted it (and they would definitely want it)
Good on the eels , they called the NRL bluff and got their squad playing time ... the nrl can't let the game go on without full squad assembled as their duty of care they are sprouting would be full of shit if players got hia or whatever
If they allocate 3 players to self isolation then return to the bubble it will be fine
Just get Kidwell to play. He can show our outside backs how to perfect the up and in defense