The NRL has changed its rules around players who refuse to get a flu jab ahead of the competition's planned restart on May 28 following the coronavirus shutdown.
Initially, the NRL asked all players from the 16 clubs to vaccinate ahead of the league's return, but some players - including Kiwis forward Joseph Tapine - objected to the rule.
Tapine, along with Canberra Raiders teammates Sia Soliola and teammate Josh Papalii were reportedly no-shows at training earlier this week, after refusing to sign a waiver that would have allowed them to practice with the team.
But after learning that 97 percent of more than 800 players and staff across the game have been immunised, the NRL has announced anyone who doesn't want a jab is allowed to play, but they must a waiver saying they acknowledge the health risks they are opening themselves up to.
While a flu jab will not prevent a person from contracting COVID-19, it does reduce the chances of catching influenza.
If they don't sign the revised waiver, they will be banned for the entire 2020 season.
Reasons players are against getting the flu jab are on religious, medical or conscientious grounds.
"These [biosecurity] protocols have been reaffirmed to clubs and players today, including the requirement for flu vaccinations for all players and staff," an NRL statement said.
"The protocols allow for exemptions to vaccinations under compelling circumstances, including requiring players to sign a release. Until an NRL-approved release is acknowledged and signed by players, they will not be permitted to train."
The NRL's rule change comes days after Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison urged the league to enforce a 'no jab no play policy'.
Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton backed up Morrison's remarks saying the Federal Government's decision to allow the NZ Warriors into Australia was based on the NRL's promise to adhere to a set of conditions, including seasonal flu shots.
"The conditions were obvious and the commitments were made by the NRL before a decision was made to allow them to go ahead," Mr Dutton told 2GB radio.
"We provided support, obviously, for the players to come from New Zealand, and we did that based on the health advice. And the health advice was based on the commitments given by the NRL. So I think it's pretty clear-cut."
On Thursday, Warriors operations manager Dan Floyd said none of the traveling squad members had an issue with getting a flu jab.
