Cheree Kinnear is joined by Newstalk ZB’s Kate Wells as they look at Hurricanes vs Rebels in Super Rugby Trans-Tasman, Breakers play their second home game vs the Kings, plus more. Video / NZ Herald
The Warriors could still be based in Australia to start the 2022 NRL season.
It seems a remote possibility– with the transtasman bubble in place and the optimism around the Covid-19 vaccination programs in both countries – but Warriors chief executive Cameron George admitted such an unwanted scenario isn't outof the question.
On Friday morning the club confirmed they will remain in Australia for the rest of this season, scratching plans of returning home in late June.
The move, which was first reported by the Herald last week, wasn't a surprise, given the ongoing uncertainty around the Covid-19 situation, with cases in four Australian states over the past four weeks.
Two weeks ago travel into New South Wales was suspended for several days, after a handful of community cases in Sydney.
George said that incident illustrated the precarious nature of the bubble, and made it clear they had no choice but to remain in Australia, given the ramifications of a sudden border closure if they relocated.
"The reality started to hit home when there was these little outbreaks," said George. "None greater than two weeks ago, when the border was paused for a period of time, [which] just highlighted the risk that could happen overnight."
While the focus now is on the rest of this season, there is a small but uncomfortable element of doubt about 2022.
Warriors players warm up prior to the round four NRL match between the Sydney Roosters and the New Zealand Warriors. Photo / Getty Images.
"Someone asked me yesterday `What about next year?" said George. "It's a really valid question on the basis that this bubble could be in existence for whatever period of time but it's designed to shut down in the space of five seconds if there's a breakout."
The Warriors and the NRL would have to be assured, as much as possible, of free flow travel.
"We need to have confidence that the bubble ain't just going to be paused within a matter of minutes for extended period of days," said George.
Lucrative broadcasting contracts mean the NRL couldn't afford to stage an incomplete round, or miss a week of games, nor have the scenario where two or more teams are stuck in isolation.
"There are so many moving parts," admitted George. "For all intents and purpose we're coming home at the end of the season, to be in the competition as normal next year. That is our hope, that is our plan.
"Between now and then, we will work with the NRL about all the risks. Hopefully, we see some examples with the way the governments respond to little outbreaks and that just gives everyone more confidence that we can manage ourselves through it."
The club had initially hoped to return home after the June 19 match with the Knights.
"We don't want to be sitting here, training out of a marquee set-up, on council grounds, trying to make a new home on the Central Coast," said George.
Reece Walsh of the Warriors during the round eight NRL match between the New Zealand Warriors and the North Queensland Cowboys. Photo / Photosport.co.nz
But the recent Sydney outbreak was a reality check, especially as the club had promised they would do everything possible to avoid the scenario of families being separated.
Aside from the Covid uncertainty, there were logistical challenges in relocating the team and their families, with children established in schools and so many Australian-based recruits.
The players had been fully involved in the decision process – in a "collective approach" – and George was confident there would be no repeat of 2020, when four players decamped to New Zealand midway through the season.
"It's a vastly different situation this year," said George.
The Super Rugby Transtasman competition commenced last week, but George said the scenarios can't be compared.
"They've already played their competitions in their jurisdictions, this is an add-on benefit to what they can do the bubble in place," said George. "We're only 10 rounds into a 25-round competition."
The Warriors are hoping to stage up to two 'hit and run' matches in Auckland this season.
George has had positive initial discussions with the clubs involved, which will continue next week. The most likely scenario is shifting the clashes with the Sharks (August 7) and Bulldogs (August 15) while the match with the Raiders (August 27) is also a possibility.
If it happens, George is promising "an event like no other" for matches that would also double as a local farewell to departing skipper Roger Tuivasa-Sheck.
"It'll be huge," said George. "We haven't played at Mount Smart Stadium since August 2019, so it potentially could be two years to the month."
