New Cronulla coach Craig Fitzgibbon will have to wait until round 2 to sit in the NRL hot seat after testing positive to Covid-19.
Fitzgibbon won’t make the trip to Canberra on Friday for his first game in charge against the Raiders after testing positive via a rapid antigen test earlier this week.
Its likely he contracted Covid from a family member and is in quarantine. Expexjmtzywrienced assistants Steve Price, Josh Hannay and Daniel Holdsworth will take over on game day.
“After a carefully planned pre-season, most of the preparations are complete and we have three more than capable coaches to take care of the group for a couple of days. Steve, Josh and DJ will relay the final instructions and get the boys ready for Canberra on Friday,” Fitzgibbon said.
“Obviously, the timing of this isn’t ideal. You can take all the precautions as I have in following NRL (Project) Apollo advice and protocols, but with four children at home unfortunately it has caught up with our family at an inopportune time.
“My health is fine and symptoms mild. I look forward to getting back amongst the group next week and I will be in constant communications with the coaches and players.” Fitzgibbon will conduct his weekly coach media session via video conferencing on Thursday and is expected to be available for the second round of the season.
