NZ Warriors forward Jamayne Taunoa-Brown has been called up to help St George Dragons through their infamous COVID-19 house party scandal.
The 24-year-old has played most of his recent rugby league for Warriors feeder team Redcliffe Dolphins, after dropping out of the first-grade selection picture, but will play the next three rounds with the depleted Dragons.
Warriors chief executive Cameron George says the arrangement benefits both sides, with the Taunoa-Brown able to stay in game shape and the Dragons filling the void left by a string of suspensions stemming from their protocol-breaching party at prop Paul Vaughan's home.
The incident resulted in Vaughan's contract being torn up, while 13 other players were fined and suspended.
The Warriors’ imminent relocation from their Terrigal base to a Queensland hub to avoid the recent NSW COVID-19 resurgence means Taunoa-Brown can no longer feature for Redcliffe.
"With the latest COVID-19 outbreak, we have an issue now where we're not able to have our players appearing for Redcliffe in the Intrust Super Cup," says George.
"Through this arrangement with St George Illawarra, we're able to ensure Jamayne will be playing football over the next three weeks to keep him match fit."
The agreement enables the Warriors to recall Taunoa-Brown, if the need arises over the next three weeks.
Taunoa-Brown has made nine appearances so far this season, but has recently faced increased competition for selection, with the return of Addin Fonua-Blake from injury and the signing of Matt Lodge pushing him back in the pecking order.
As part of the Dragons squad, Taunoa-Brown will face Manly Sea Eagles, Gold Coast Titans, and South Sydney Rabbitohs, before returning to the Warriors.
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