Peter V’landys has backed the idea of a vaccination passport to attend NRL games but says players won’t be forced to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, even if it affects their ability to cross borders.
The Australian Rugby League Commission chairman has flagged issues for players needing to travel between states or to New Zealand for games next season if they’re not vaccinated, which will be a call made by relevant governments.
After ensuring the competition can continue in Queensland through a recent outbreak in the state, attention has now turned to how the NRL deals with the pandemic moving forward.
Reports have emerged that players who don’t get vaccinated will be subject to tighter restrictions than their inoculated teammates, but on Tuesday V’landys said it was too soon for the NRL to make those decisions.
Those could, however, lie in the hands of Queensland, Victorian and New Zealand governments who will have their own requirements for entry.
Last season there was some push back from players who didn’t want to receive the flu jab, but after being refused entry into Queensland most relented.
“We don’t want to encroach on anybody’s freedoms or liberties, that’s the first thing. Everyone has beliefs and they have religions and we don’t want to interfere with that,” V’landys told Big Sports Breakfast on Tuesday.
“We’re going to have to tread very carefully.
“Last year when we had to vaccinate everyone for the flu, 99 per cent of the players vaccinated, we didn’t have a problem.
“There was five or six, or less than half of one per cent that didn’t vaccinate.
“But we’ll see what the government guidelines are.
“It’s too early to be talking about that or making those decisions because if 80 per cent of the population gets vaccinated that eliminates a lot of the risk.
“The problem you’re going to have though is travelling to New Zealand or interstate if you’re not vaccinated.”
Vlandys confirmed interest in vaccine passports for fans to attend games next year, as the NRL attempts to recoup revenue lost by relocating the competition to Queensland and games being played with no crowds at the back end of the season.
It comes after Venue NSW chairman Tony Shepherd said this week they will seek government approval for the plan.
“We don’t want to be in lockdown again this time next year,” V’landys said.
“We don’t want to be talking about crowds at games again this time next year.
“The only solution is to vaccinate and this might encourage people if the only way they’re able to go to their favourite sporting event is to show a vaccination passport.”
AAP
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