Cartwright's wife defends their anti-vaccination stance

The wife of Gold Coast forward Bryce Cartwright has defended his right to decline a flu vaccination.

Spokesmen for the NRL and the Titans have confirmed that Cartwright has not had an injection despite it being part of the safety protocols for all players and staff for the restart of the Telstra Premiership on May 28. 

Anyone who is a conscientious objector will need to apply for special dispensation from the NRL.

Cartwright, who has signed a waiver form clearing the club and the NRL of liability if he gets sick, participated in training drills with his Gold Coast teammates on Wednesday morning.

His teammate, Dale Copley, also went into bat for Cartwright by saying he was "more than happy for Bryce to make his own decision in that regard".

Shanelle Cartwright, an anti-vaccination advocate, posted on Instagram to defend her husband's stance and their decision to not vaccinate their children.

"People have the freedom to say what they like, just like we have the freedom to choose which medical procedures we undergo, but ultimately the proof is in the pudding," she wrote.

"Our kids are a picture of health. They’ve never had an ear infection, never had a chest infection or bronchitis, they have no neuro-developmental disorders or auto-immune disorders and are rarely ever sick. They’ve never had a round of antibiotics are any other pharmaceutical drug for that matter (yes, including Panadol).

"As parents we do our best with what we know, for some, health comes in a needle and it works for them. What we’re doing is going seemingly well seeing the state of their health. So if it’s not clear, we’re not anti anything. We stand for medical freedom and the right to choose. Anyway, that’s my piece."

Souths skipper Adam Reynolds said he had his flu shot "three or four weeks ago".

"It was doctor's advice and there are experts out there with positives about it so I leave all that in their hands," he said, adding he had not concerns with any NRL players not wanting to get the shot.

"I'm not in that area of expertise where I can judge whether they should get it or not. I just go by what our doctor says - he's the expert in that area."

Roosters forward Mitch Aubusson, when asked about the issue on Wednesday morning, said: "It is a difficult subject. I think everybody has the right as an individual to decide what they do or don't want to put into their body.

"Obviously it's up to them … but from my point of view it's neither here nor there."