LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
The AFL made the decision to postpone two games as Cyclone Alfred approached the Brisbane and Gold Coast region, causing mayhem.
This included the blockbuster clash between the Brisbane Lions and Geelong at the Gabba, as well as the Suns hosting the Bombers.
However, the decision received criticism from Bree Nikorima, partner of Dolphins player Kodi Nikorima, who was upset at the NRL's decision to go ahead with games while families were left behind to face the cyclone alone.
She expressed her frustration on Instagram, sparking a debate about the importance of family versus the game of football.
While some fans defended the NRL's decision, pointing out that players are well paid and that emergency workers also face separation from their families during disasters, others empathized with Bree Nikorima's concerns.
The discussion also brought up the sacrifices made by the New Zealand Warriors in the 2020 COVID season when they left their families for the entire season to continue playing in the NRL.
Despite the backlash, Kodi Nikorima, Mark Nicholls, and Kenny Bromwich decided to withdraw from the Dolphins squad traveling to Sydney for their game against the Rabbitohs.
This left coach Kristian Woolf without his first choice five-eighth, facing a tough challenge against former Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett and his Rabbitohs team.
The situation highlighted the importance of family, safety, and community support in times of crisis, even in the midst of sporting events.