Two Cronulla Sharks NRL players sent home after developing flu-like symptoms amid coronavirus panic

The NRL is rocked by coronavirus: Two Cronulla Sharks NRL players are sent home after developing flu-like symptoms

• Cronulla Sharks are following NRL recommendations and sent two players home 
• The players have been isolated from the team after reporting flu-like symptoms 
• Scott Morrison pledged to attend their match against South Sydney on Saturday
• Government banned public gatherings of more than 500 people from Monday
• There are now 199 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Australia and three deaths 
• Coronavirus symptoms: what are they and should you see a doctor?

By Kelsey Wilkie and Jackson Barron For Daily Mail Australia

Published: 05:59 GMT, 13 March 2020 | Updated: 05:59 GMT, 13 March 2020

The NRL has been rocked by coronavirus with two players being isolated from their team after reporting flu-like symptoms.

Two players from the Cronulla Sharks have been sent home from team training after falling ill.

The club are following NRL recommendations to be extra cautious with all players, according to 9News.

The players have not been confirmed to have the coronavirus.

Two players from the Cronulla Sharks have been sent home from team training after falling ill. Pictured: Josh Morris and other Sharks players during a trial game against the Manly Sea Eagles in March. Daily Mail Australia is not suggesting that Josh Morris was sent home

South Australian hospital staff simulate coronavirus testing at the Repatriation Hospital in Adelaide on Tuesday

A Cronulla Sharks official told Daily Mail Australia they were ‘not in a position to make any comment’ and ‘may be able to make a statement shortly.’

The news comes after the federal government announced a ban on public gatherings of 500 or more people from Monday to prevent further spread of the deadly virus.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison is the Sharks number one ticket holder and has been vocal about his plans to attend his team’s match against the South Sydney Rabbitohs at ANZ Stadium on Saturday night.

‘The fact that I would still be going on Saturday speaks not just to my passion for my beloved Sharks, it might be the last game I get to go to for a long time,’ Mr Morrison said at a press conference on Friday afternoon.

Sharks number one ticket holder Scott Morrison celebrates with fans in the crowd at Shark Park in May 2019

The prime minister (pictured with fans) said he will attend the Sharks match against the South Sydney Rabbitohs on Saturday at ANZ Stadium

‘That’s fine. In the future I suspect we might be watching them on television, and that’s OK as well.’

‘My point is that there is absolute reason for calm and proportionately responding to the challenges that we have here. I’m very comfortable about it, my colleagues are very comfortable about it.’

Games are going ahead despite mounting calls for mass events to be cancelled in a bid to prevent the spread of the deadly disease. 

The Australian Grand Prix was cancelled on Friday, while the first one day international between Australia and New Zealand is being played with no spectators allowed at the SCG.

David Warner and Aaron Finch walk out to bat for Australia at the empty SCG after fans were banned from attending on Friday

On Thursday, the NBA in the United States suspending the entire season after a player tested positive for the virus. Some European soccer leagues have also cancelled matches or are holding them behind closed doors. 

Mr Morrison attended a number of NRL games last year wearing his trademark supporters scarf and with a beer in hand.

NRL players have been issued stringent rules ahead of the season, limiting their interaction with fans due to the virus.

They have been told to acknowledge fans by waving or giving a thumbs up. 

Mr Morrison said the rule will apply to only non-essential events including sporting events, concerts and festivals.

Parliament, school and university classes and work will go ahead as usual.

There are now 199 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Australia. 

Prime Minister Scott Morrison at his press conference where he announced that mass gatherings of more than 500 people will be banned from Monday

The number of Australia coronavirus cases soared to 199 as of Friday afternoon – including 14 new cases in New South Wales. Meanwhile, there are 35 cases in Queensland (including Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson) and 36 in Victoria

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