Dolphins players Mark Nicholls and Kodi Nikorima are set to miss the team’s season opener against South Sydney due to the impending threat of Cyclone Alfred in Queensland. Originally planned for Suncorp Stadium, the match has been relocated to Sydney because of the adverse weather conditions affecting the northern regions.
Reports indicate that Nicholls’ residence is susceptible to flash flooding, while Nikorima’s wife expressed her frustration over the scheduling changes via social media. The official NRL team list has confirmed both players’ absence, with Sean O’Sullivan and Josh Kerr stepping in for the matchup.
Despite the NRL’s decision not to postpone the game, the AFL has opted for a more cautious route. An NRL statement indicated that the well-being of players, fans, and the broader community was their foremost concern in deciding to change the venue.
The relocation has raised some criticism, particularly from the partner of Nikorima. Bree voiced her concerns on Instagram about families being left to navigate the cyclone without support, highlighting her own situation as six months pregnant with young children in a flood-prone area.
Meanwhile, Brisbane’s opener against the Sydney Roosters is still scheduled to take place at Allianz Stadium on Thursday night. Coach Michael Maguire has reassured that the club is taking proactive measures to support players’ families during this challenging time, including ensuring effective communication and safety for those remaining in Queensland.
Maguire acknowledged the atmosphere of uncertainty surrounding the cyclone but emphasised the importance of keeping focused ahead of their match against the Roosters. The Broncos are set to compete at 8pm AEDT on Thursday.