Time is running out for the NRL to get an exemption to allow family members of the NZ Warriors players into Australia, with next Sunday's July 19 deadline fast approaching.
As it stands, wings David Fusitu'a and Ken Maumalo, as well as forwards Agnatius Paasi and King Vuniyayawa, will return to New Zealand after next weekend's game against the Cronulla Sharks unless the NRL can arrange travel exemption for their families.
The relatives of the quartet have been unable to enter Australia due to global travel restrictions and the players threatened to walk away following last month's heavy defeat against the Melbourne Storm but were persuaded to remain with the team until July 19.
The likelihood of the families joining the players in Australia is increasingly unlikely due to the second COVID-19 wave hammering Victoria, even though the Warriors won't be traveling to the state for the remainder of the season.
The team has already lost Levaha Pulu, who returned to Auckland earlier this month after his pregnant wife was involved in a minor car accident.
Paasi and Maumalo are both fathers while Fusitu'a and his wife are expecting their first child.
Interim coach Todd Payten reiterated he's not going to stand in the players' way, although it will be tough without the quartet.
"I've given [the homesick players] my word if we don't have a clear outcome from the Government or NRL they can go home," says Payten.
"It will put pressure on us but for the reasons they need to go back, they have to go back.
"I asked them to commit until after the Sharks game and they gave me that commitment.
"The boys are in good spirits and are working hard, enjoying each other's company. I can see us coming out the other end a better side.
"There is a bit of clarity for us. We have got our heads around the fact that we aren't going home with everything that is happening in Victoria and more outbreaks."
Fusitu'a, Maumalo, and Paasi have combined for six of the Warriors' 20 tries this season.
If the four players do leave, the Warriors will be once again very thin on players to choose from. Earlier this season, they had 19 fit players to call upon.
However, they will be allowed to loan more players in to replace the ones that leave. The Warriors currently have Panthers forward Jack Heathrington on loan at the team and had Poasa Faamausili earlier this season from the Roosters before he was recalled.
