Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says officials are still looking to resolve a complicated situation with two NZ Warriors players unable to enter New Zealand when the NRL season ends in Australia.
Tongan Eliesa Katoa and Fijian Selestino Ravutaumada are not New Zealand citizens, despite having resided in the country for several years, so are unable to enter under the new COVID-19 rules.
Katoa came to New Zealand three years ago on a scholarship from Auckland's Tamaki College, while Ravutaumada has been here for just over four years and has even represented the NZ Secondary School team and the Junior Kiwis teams.
Both players were in New Zealand on work visas.
Ardern admits it's a complex situation but hopes it will be sorted by the time the team returns in September.
"From what I've been briefed on, it's a matter that is looking to be resolved," she says.
"Those on visas but there are economic reasons for them being here, those take more of a process. We've set some clear criteria and we have officials working through those applications.
"We're clear that if you're outside of that category of being a citizen or resident, there are expectations that you must meet so we can see that the need of you being here is linked into the wider wellbeing of New Zealand."
Club chief executive Cameron George has appealed to the Government as both players have no family in Australia.
"We've been advised that they won't be permitted entry back into the country due to their status, which is devastating for us to hear," he told Stuff on Wednesday.
"Prior to leaving this country to go to Australia to carry out their employment, they were like any citizen of New Zealand.
"They’ve got the appropriate visas to be in New Zealand, they’ve got everything that you need to live in New Zealand and it’s easily demonstrated that they’re residents here, because they’ve been here for years and gone to school here.
"So what are we going to do? Drop them off and leave them on the shores of Australia? I call on the New Zealand Government to review and reconsider this."
Former Blackcaps captain Brendon McCullum also weighed in saying: "Let's do something about this PM @jacindaardern."
Kaota has been one of the Warriors' best players this season, while a season-ending shoulder injury has prevented Ravutaumada from making his debut.
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