NZ Warriors look likely to be hit with unexpected absences, with news that two players have to self-isolate for two weeks.
Newshub understands centre Euan Aiken and forward Josh Curran were travelling on the same Virgin Australia aircraft as a flight attendant, who has contracted COVID-19.
Seven's rugby league reporter Michelle Bishop told Newshub, the two Warriors players were returning from a brief holiday in the Gold Coast this week, on the same flight as a cabin crew member who has since tested positive for coronavirus.
Both players have been placed in isolation, completely separated from the rest of the squad.
It means both Aitken and Curran will be unavailable for Friday night's must-win clash against the St George Dragons on the Central Coast.
It adds further selection headaches for coach Nathan Brown, who is also unlikely to have Reece Walsh available after the teenager suffered a minor hamstring complaint on the eve of the second State of Origin match.
Chanel Harris-Tavita is unlikely to play again this season after tearing a pectoral muscle against Melbourne, while Wade Egan (HIA), Bayley Sironen (HIA) and David Fusitua (hamsting) are also out.
The club will be boosted by the arrivals of Kiwis captain Dallin Watene-Zelezniak who signed from the Bulldogs last week, and former playmaker Chad Townsend who was recruited on a short-term deal after leaving the Sharks.
