The Papua New Guinea Hunters rugby league team's departure to Australia has been delayed again after one person tested positive for Covid-19.
The PNG Hunters have faced a series of hurdles in their efforts to relocate to Queensland. Photo: Facebook/PNG Hunters
34 players and management staff had been isolating together in a quarantine bubble since Thursday afternoon after receiving approval to travel by Queensland Health Authorities.
After undergoing a Covid-19 test, one result was classified as 'inconclusive' on Friday before further testing confirmed it to be a positive case on Saturday evening.
PNG Rugby Football League Acting CEO Stanley Hondina said: "an urgent hook up meeting was held between all parties in PNG and Australia and a decision was made to delay the team's departure tentatively to next Sunday February 14, 2021."
"Due to privacy, I cannot at this time disclose the affected individuals name but be assured he is being cared for and that we are focused on the wellbeing of all members."
The PNG Hunters are relocating to Australia in order to retain their place in the Intrust Super Cup, after last year's competition was cancelled because of Covid-19.
The squad was originally scheduled to fly out of Port Moresby on 31 January but had their plans pushed back after a request to isolate and train together at a facility on the Gold Coast was denied.
The PNG Hunters will be based in Queensland for the 2021 season. Photo: Facebook/PNG Hunters
Following their second setback, Stanley Hondina confirmed the team would remain in quarantine and be monitored daily for any Covid-like symptoms.
"We are 100% committed to the health and wellbeing of the Hunters, the Intrust Super Cup teams we will play against, and the broader community in Queensland," he said.
"This is why we have made the decision for the travelling team to extend quarantine for another seven days. We do this out of an abundance of caution and a respect for the game, our team, and the times which in we have found ourselves."
Stanley Hondina. Photo: Screenshot
PNG Hunters coach Matthew Church said his team are following the protocols outlined in the approved quarantine plan to allow them to travel to Queensland, while support is being provided to all players and staff.
"As a team we know that a setback for an individual is a setback for the team. We might be separated from one of our brothers during this process but we are all going through this situation together, we stand united as a group."
The Hunters open their Queensland Cup campaign on 20 March against the Wynnum Manly Seagulls.