NRL 2020: Jake Averillo and Stefano Utoikamanu in COVID limbo – NEWS.com.au

Bulldogs centre Jake Averillo will go in to self-isolation and Parramatta rookie prop Stefano Utoikamanu has been placed into COVID-19 hold after both were caught up in coronavirus related issues. Averillo will be unable to train or play until Sunday, July 19 due to his parents visiting COVID-19 hot spot the Crossroads Hotel in Casula on Sunday, July 5, and he lives at home with them.
Averillo will be tested for COVID-19 today after both his parents were tested over the weekend.
The outside back’s parents will now be retested on Sunday, July 19 to receive a clean bill of health, and Averillo will be unable to train or play with the team until that date.
Parramatta’s Utoikamanu broke the game’s strict biosecurity protocols but can return to train with the squad if the members of the public he contacted are cleared of coronavirus.
Utoikamanu only got on the field in the closing stages of Sunday’s win over Newcastle and was captured celebrating with friends and family after the game.
The NCA NewsWire can reveal the rising bookend’s playing status is now on hold, meaning he can remain in the team’s bubble but can’t rejoin the squad until the people he touched return a negative result to COVID-19.
If the prop was forced to leave the bubble he would have to isolate for 14 days, meaning he would be forced to sit on the sidelines for an extended period.
Utoikamanu will be hoping this is the case so he can play his second NRL game against Manly at Brookvale Oval on Saturday.
“As always we will be guided by the advice of our medical experts,” said NRL head of football Graham Annesley on the incident.
“We will then be in a position to advise the club and the player of any further action or protocol implications.”
Utoikamanu may miss next week’s clash with Manly if forced to self-isolate.

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