As Cyclone Alfred bears down on the southern coast of Queensland, Dolphins NRL players Kodi Nikorima and Mark Nicholls have withdrawn from their round one match against South Sydney. Kenny Bromwich, who was originally slated as the 18th man, has also pulled out of Friday night's game in Sydney. This decision highlights the players' concerns for their families' safety during the impending storm.
Read Also...:
Formula 1: Motorsport UK chair David Richards threatens FIA with legal action over governance
03-06, 2025
Natasha Jonas v Lauren Price: Trainer Joe Gallagher calls Welshwoman "out of order" for missing face-off
03-06, 2025
Chelsea 3-1 Leicester: Blues move eight points clear of Manchester United at top of WSL
03-06, 2025
Women's World Cup: Home Nations to make joint bid to host 2035 tournament
03-06, 2025Sean O'Sullivan has been brought into the team to replace Nikorima, while forward Josh Kerr takes Nicholls' place on the bench. The players decided to stay home and did not fly to Sydney with the team on Wednesday night due to concerns for their families, whose homes are in the path of the cyclone. The club has approved their decision, acknowledging the gravity of the situation and prioritizing the players' family needs.
With the cyclone expected to make landfall on Friday, the NRL has moved the Dolphins' game from Lang Park in Brisbane to Western Sydney Stadium. Nikorima's wife has harshly criticized the NRL for prioritizing the Dolphins' season opener against the Rabbitohs over the safety of the Brisbane-based players' families. Lions champion player Lachie Neale indicated he also would not travel if the AFL rescheduled their game against Geelong. The league's decision is sparking debate about player welfare versus game scheduling.
Nikorima's wife, Bree, strongly criticized the decision in a since-deleted Instagram story, writing: "Leaving families to fend for themselves in the direct firing line of a cyclone. Absolutely no support for some. 6 months pregnant with two young kids in a flood zone is disgusting. NRL should be doing better." Her post reflects the anxieties and frustrations of families facing potential danger and feeling unsupported during a crisis.
The Brisbane Broncos have also arrived in Sydney ahead of their season opener against the Roosters on Thursday night. Broncos CEO Dave Donaghy has returned home to check on his family, and new coach Michael Maguire said: "The club has been very proactive. They are talking to partners and wives and offering help to make sure they are safe in this situation. Now it is just a matter of waiting to see how it unfolds, but there is a lot of communication between families." The AFL has postponed the Brisbane Lions and Gold Coast Suns' round one matches scheduled for Thursday and Saturday at the Gabba and Carrara respectively.
Lions Brownlow Medallist Lachie Neale stated that he would also not travel if they were forced to go to Victoria for the game. "Unless they are willing to fly the families down as well, but I am not sure they would be able to organize that in such short notice. If they were able to get the families out of town, we can get the dog sorted, and I'd go. But I am not leaving Jules and our three-year-old daughter and 11-week-old son here." His stance emphasizes the importance of family unity and support during challenging times, especially when safety is at risk.
