Anti-Vaccination Views Keep Manly's Addin Fonua-Blake Sidelined

The Sea Eagles are preparing to fly north to face the Cowboys - but they'll be touching down in Townsville with another big-name star sitting at home in Sydney.

Addin Fonua-Blake looks set to miss Manly's clash against North Queensland next weekend due to his stance on flu vaccinations.

According to NRL.com, the powerhouse forward has formally refused to do a flu vaccination - a protocol which is part of the NRL's strict COVID-19 biosecurity measures.

Fonua-Blake's absence comes as another big blow for the 10th-placed Sea Eagles who are struggling without both Tom Trbojevic and Cody Walker.

"At the moment, the flu vaccination is compulsory," Manly head coach Des Hasler said.

The Sea Eagles will fly up to Townsville to take on the Cowboys on July 24.

Having lost three-straight NRL games, the team is on the brink of missing the top eight altogether after arriving at the revamped virus-free competition as hot favourites to clinch gold.

Before squaring off with the Cowboys in their own backyard, the Sea Eagles face NRL table-toppers the Eels this weekend - but now they must do so without three of their best players.

Manly Warringah Sea Eagles

"I had a word with Des," Fonua-Blake told the Sydney Morning Herald.

"He's definitely not pressuring me to make any decisions just because we're playing up there [in Townsville]. He knows the decision I've made is for me and my family."

It's understood the Queensland government require anyone who wishes to enter the state to have a flu vaccine as well as a coronavirus test.

And with talks of the NRL completely relocating to Queensland following the spike in coronavirus cases, this may not be the last time we hear of players being barred from entering.

Topics: Coronavirus, Rugby League, nrl, Australia, Covid-19

Max Sherry

Max Sherry is a journalist for SPORTbible Australia. After migrating Down Under from London as a teenager, he instantly fell in love with Aussie sport and its culture. From NRL to AFL, cricket to rugby — you name it, Max watches it (with a beer in hand, of course). During his time at Fox Sports, he worked in the football department covering the Premier League, A-League, Socceroos and Matildas. Born a stone's throw away from West Ham's training ground, Max is obviously a die-hard Liverpool fan.

@maxysherry