Gold Coast Titans duo Bryce Cartwrigtht and Brian Kelly have been stood down indefinitely over their refusal to get influenza vaccinations.
On Friday, Queensland Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young confirmed utility Cartwright and centre Kelly would not be able to play after discussions with the NRL about its revised flu vaccination approach.
The NRL initially said players were required to be vaccinated for flu as part of its biosecurity protocols, but could be exempted in exceptional circumstances such as on religious, medical or conscientious grounds.
However they've changed their stance to align with Prime Minister Scott Morrison's 'no jab, no play' suggestion after pressure from the federal government as their understanding was every person involved in the NRL resumption would have the vaccination before returning to training.
The NRL is set to resume on May 28.
Hooker Nathan Peats was also initially stood down by the Titans, by reluctantly went and got a flu jab.
"Seen my name in the media regarding getting stood down for no flu jab," Peats wrote on Twitter on Friday.
"It has nothing to do with some other players and being anti-vaccination. Myself, wife and both my sons are vaccinated.
"I had a bad experience in 2012 when I was at Souths when I had the flu shot, that's my only reason behind it. I've spoken to the club and will get the jab this afternoon.
"I had the option to say yes or no and I chose no for that reason. If I knew it would blow up I would have said yes straight away."
Now the Sydney Morning Herald claims the NRL has reportedly written to the Queensland government asking for exemption for the other two Gold Coast players.
Other known players who are against the mandatory vaccinations include Canberra Raiders trio Josh Papalii, Joseph Tapine and Sia Soliola, Canterbury Bulldogs hooker Sione Katoa and Manly Sea Eagles players Addin Fonua-Blake, Martin Taupau and Dylan Walker.
However those players fall under New South Wales or Australian Capital Territory state jurisdiction.
Australia Rugby League Commission chair Peter V'landys is hopeful Queensland will relax its stance allowing Cartwright and Kelly to compete.
"We're hoping [the Queensland government] will do the same thing as NSW and they will allow them to train and play," he told the Sydney Morning Herald.
"Even some of those that have refused - it's because they had reactions to it.
"They're prepared - if it's hurting the game - to go and get the vaccination. You can't ask for more than that."
It's understood that 97 percent of players and staff have revived a jab.
While a flu jab will not prevent a person from contracting COVID-19, it does reduce the chances of catching influenza.
