LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Brisbane Broncos CEO Dave Donaghy made the decision to relocate players to Sydney for their game against the Roosters amidst growing criticism over leaving their families behind as Cyclone Alfred approached Queensland.
While the AFL called off two matches in Queensland due to the severe weather forecast, the NRL opted to move the Dolphins-Rabbitohs game to Sydney instead of cancelling it.
This decision sparked outrage among players' loved ones, with one player's wife expressing her disappointment in a now-deleted social media post.
Broncos coach Michael Maguire acknowledged the challenging situation, stating that the club was actively communicating with players' families to ensure their safety.
He emphasized the club's proactive approach in handling the unusual circumstances, saying, "It is my first time facing something like this and the club has been really proactive." Despite the backlash, Maguire reiterated the priority of keeping everyone safe during the cyclone.
The backlash extended beyond just the families of Broncos players, with Brisbane Lions Brownlow medallist Lachie Neale indicating that he would not have left his family had the AFL moved his team's match to Victoria.
The criticism towards the NRL for separating players from their loved ones during a potentially hazardous situation highlighted the emotional toll of such decisions on athletes and their families.
Ultimately, the Broncos' decision to relocate to Sydney was met with mixed reactions, with concerns raised about the well-being of players' families left behind in Queensland.
The club's efforts to stay in touch with families and ensure their safety indicated a commitment to managing the situation as best as possible.
As uncertainties loomed over the impact of Cyclone Alfred, the importance of prioritizing the safety and well-being of all individuals involved remained at the forefront of the discussion.