NZ Warriors centre David Fusitu’a and hooker Nathaniel Roache have remained in Auckland, when the team flew out for Australia on Sunday to prepare for the resumption of the 2020 NRL season.
Fusitu’a has been granted permission to delay his departure on compassionate grounds, while Roache was ordered to stay home, after failing the medical screening test.
“Nate called the club first thing this morning, saying he wasn’t feeling well,” said Warriors chief executive Cameron George.
"He was instructed to have a test immediately and was told not to report at the airport, as he would not be travelling with the team.
"We're totally satisfied Nate has had no contact with any other player or staff member at the club for several weeks, and we’re very comfortable we have abided by all policies and requirements."
George says Fusitu'a will fly to join the rest of the squad at their Tamworth base "as soon as possible", which is expected to be within a week.
For Roache, the blow is another disappointment in a career plagued by injury - he's played just 26 first-grade games since his 2016 debut.
The Warriors roster will likely be stretched to its limit during their stay in Australia, particularly once they relocate to a Central Coast base after quarantine. They can apply for a replacement, if any player needs to return home prematurely.
NRL teams are cleared to return to training on Monday, with a 20-round revamped competition set to begin May 28.
