The SP PNG Hunters scheduled to travel to Queensland tomorrow (Sunday 14 February 2021) has been delayed again by another seven days – this time at the request of the Queensland Health Authority(QHA).
PNGRFL a/CEO Stanley Hondina in a media statement issued today said they have received a letter from QHA yesterday afternoon requesting the team to remain in quarantine for a full 14 days.
The letter read in part: “Close contacts are required to remain in quarantine for the full 14-days, even when they obtain a negative test.”
Last week, the team’s scheduled trip on February 7th, 2021 was delayed due to a traveling member tested positive for COVID-19. The individual was isolated immediately.
The traveling party had to undergo another testing on Thursday to comply with the pre-travel quarantine plans which Hondina said he was pleased as there were no ‘inconclusive results’.
Hondina added while it is disappointing and a setback to the hunters’ plans they understand and respect their laws and would comply as ‘guests’ in their country.
SP Hunters Coach Matthew Church shared similar sentiments and said the health and safety of everyone involved is the most pressing matter.
“This is a requirement by health authorities and we have to comply,” said Church.
He added the players and staff remain focus to get to Queensland and complete their pre-season preparations.
“These delays are unfortunate for our program but our focus remains only on what we actually control.”
The Hunters’ have now rescheduled their travel to next Sunday (February 21 2021 to comply with the 14-day quarantine requirement by QHA.
The SP PNG Hunters will be relocating to the Runaway Bay Sports Center on the Gold Coast in Queensland for the entire 2021 Intrust Super Cup season.
Due to strict travel restrictions in Australia, the relocation is the only way they will participate in the 2021 Intrust Super Cup season.
