NZ Kiwis forward Joseph Tapine is among NRL players protesting against the NRL's compulsory vaccination policy before the competition resumes later this month.
All 16 NRL clubs have returned to training this week, after a six-week coronavirus shutdown, with the competition scheduled to restart on May 28.
But Tapine, former Kiwis forward Sia Soliola and teammate Josh Papalii were reportedly no-shows at Canberra Raiders training on Wednesday, after refusing to sign a waiver that would have allowed them to practice with the team.
The Sydney Morning Herald claims the trio could end up as part of an NRL anti-vaxxer contingent wiped from the competition for the rest of the season, as the code considers a blanket ban on all players who haven't received a flu shot.
The report adds the Raiders are trying to get an exemption to allow the trio to train, until the Australian government finalises its position, after "no jab, no play" comments from Prime Minister Scott Morrison.
According to Fox League NRL 360 co-host Paul Kent, the Raiders stars object to the vaccination programme on religious grounds.
While a flu jab will not prevent a person from contracting COVID-19, it does reduce the chances of catching influenza.
Along with the Raiders trio, Gold Coast Titans utility Bryce Cartwright has also opted against it, although the 25-year-old says labelling him an anti-vaxxer is "spreading misinformation".
"Not once have I said I am anti-vaccinations," Cartwright has posted on social media.
"I've never claimed to be a doctor or a medical professional, and I have never told anyone what they should or shouldn’t do in regards to vaccinations.
"I stand for the freedom to choose what goes into our bodies, I am pro-choice, pro-informed consent and pro-medical freedom. I have nothing against people who choose to vaccinate... so to label me an 'anti-vaxxer' is spreading misinformation.
"The flu shot is not mandatory in the NRL at the moment. Players have been offered a waiver to sign, if we don’t want it. Giving us the ultimatum of get the shot or be stood down is coercion, and leaking private medical information, well that’s illegal.
"As for me being the first and apparently only one declining the shot is bullshit and far from the truth. These are our bodies and we decide what goes in them.
"I know people in my industry with vaccine-injured children and the herd NEVER stuck around for them [sic]. I won’t be bullied into making decisions that could impact my health and the health of my family.
"Thank you for all the messages to those standing in solidarity, I see you."
Rugby League Players Association player director Dale Copley has thrown his support behind his Gold Coast teammate, confirming several players have rejected vaccinations.
