Queensland State of Origin Players Ashley Harrison and Darius Boyd have each been withdrawn from tonight’s match between the Titans and the Dragons on the Gold Coast because of quarantine advice from health authorities in regard to the H1N1 virus.
The order was made by the NRL today after clear advice from the Queensland and NSW Departments of Health.
Neither player has shown any symptoms of having had the virus but both were in the same Queensland Origin team as Ben Hannant who contracted the H1N1 virus in Melbourne last week.
All members of the Queensland State of Origin team have now been placed in quarantine and will remain so for a further 72 hours unless otherwise directed by health authorities.
No quarantine order has been recommended in relation to the NSW team.
Tests today confirmed that NSW trainer Tony Ayoub, did not have the H1N1 virus. There are no positive tests confirmed from any NSW team member.
Even though NSW team members played against Hannant, they are deemed to be at significantly less risk of infection than Queensland players who shared a camp environment.
“As frustrating as the wait has been for many people we have spent considerable time consulting health authorities to ensure that we are following all proper advice,” National Rugby League Chief Operating Officer, Mr Graham Annesley, said today.
“We have needed to consult St George and the Titans in relation to tonight’s match and Test results in relation to Tony Ayoub which came through late today have also been critical.
“Clearly we are dealing with a major public health issue and the NRL is committed to working closely with the health authorities.”
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