Warriors CEO Cameron George. Photo: Getty ImagesThe Warriors say they are devastated that rising NRL players Eliesa Katoa and Selestino Ravutaumada have been blocked from returning to New Zealand indefinitely. Chief executive Cameron George confirmed the NZ government wouldn't allow the two 20-year-olds to return home under its COVID-19 restrictions, in which only Kiwi citizens could enter. Like Ravutaumada, he was lured to New Zealand in his teens on a college rugby union scholarship before being spotted by Warriors scouts. The Warriors had regarded the pair as simply employees of a Kiwi company when they crossed the Tasman in early May, fulfilling their contract - as well as keeping the NRL afloat.

Source: Otago Daily Times July 29, 2020 06:22 UTC