LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Lions captain Lachie Neale expressed his concern over potentially playing if the AFL relocated Brisbane's game to Victoria due to Cyclone Alfred, revealing he wouldn't feel comfortable leaving his wife and kids during the cyclone.
This decision came after the NRL decided to move a game from Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane to CommBank Stadium in Sydney amid the cyclone threat.
This move was criticized by Kodi Nikorima's wife, Bree, who slammed the NRL for prioritizing the game over player's families' safety.
She expressed her frustration on Instagram, saying, "Leaving the families behind to ride out the direct line of cyclone alone.
Some with no support at all.
I'm 6 months pregnant with 2 young kids in an area that can flood, disgusting.
Do better NRL."
Neale's comments highlighted the stark contrast in approaches between the AFL and NRL in handling the cyclone situation.
He stated that he would have chosen to stay in Brisbane with his family rather than play in a relocated game.
Neale's remarks shed light on the importance of prioritizing the safety and well-being of players and their families during such extreme weather conditions.
"I wouldn't have played.
I would have stayed here (in Brisbane) with (wife) Jules and the kids," he emphasized.
The decision to move the NRL game to Sydney drew criticism for potentially putting players' families at risk and highlighted the need for sports organizations to consider the welfare of their athletes and loved ones.
Neale's stance exemplified the importance of family and personal safety over sporting commitments, calling attention to the ethical implications of such decisions.
This situation has sparked a debate on the responsibilities of sports organizations in times of crisis and the need for a more comprehensive approach to player welfare during natural disasters.