The New Zealand Warriors are bracing for more bad news, with several first-grade players set to abandon the NRL restart and return to New Zealand. Several members of the New Zealand Warriors have complained of homesickness, with David Fusitu’a, Agnatius Paasi and Ken Maumalo all set to return to Auckland. The Warriors have delivered an ultimatum to NRL bosses after their families were denied entry into Australia. The three players are set to return to New Zealand on July 19.

The recent second wave of COVID-19 cases in Victoria has increased the restrictions on international travel.

The New Zealand Warriors’ coaching staff have submitted a list of replacements to the NRL for them to continue for the duration of the season. Before the competition restart in May, the Warriors were told by the NRL that their families would receive special exemptions to enter Australia. The New Zealand side only agreed to play on the proviso that their families could join them in Australia.

The side has been away from home since May, with the players becoming frustrated by the lack of progress over their families joining them.