League stars loom in support for COVIDSafe app download

Kangaroos representatives Damien Cook and Wade Graham have joined other NRL and NRLW stars to help encourage the Australian public to download the COVIDSafe app on their devices.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison declared earlier in the month that an increased downloading of the app will result in the nation's restrictions being lifted sooner than expected.

The app's design, in which it looks to protect family and friends and save the lives of other Australians, can help detect and control any future outbreaks.

Cook and Graham, who have filmed videos to support the use of the app, hope to reach most of their combined 117,000 fans on Instagram, while the NRL official social media platforms, will also help spread their messages.

"As players we know how important it is for the game for restrictions to be eased and if downloading the app will do that we are more than happy to play our part," Cook said.

"If me encouraging people to download leads to more people using the app, I'm happy to play my role."

Parramatta skipper Clint Gutherson, England international Tom Burgess, and Jillaroos star Tiana Penitani are also on board with the NRL continuing to work with the RLPA in encouraging players to download the app.

RLPA chief executive Clint Newton was confident more players will get publicly involved.

"Our members continue to play a leading role in supporting government health and safety initiatives in the community," Newton said.

"It is another outstanding example of players stepping up during these challenging times and hopefully by encouraging others in the community to download the app we help minimise the transmission of COVID-19."

ARL chairman Peter V'landys, who has worked tirelessly to have the game on track for a May 28 return, believes the application is a vital tool for the code.

"The app will be an important tool for our own protocols and clearly it will also be extremely important for the entire community as the government looks to continue easing restrictions in the future," V'landys said.

"Our players can play a leadership role in encouraging Australians to download the app and it is pleasing to see some of our best players doing just that."