Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad knows what it's like to leave your family and country behind to play in the National Rugby League.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
But the Canberra Raider can still only imagine what the New Zealand Warriors are going through, after they stayed in Australia to help keep the NRL afloat amid the coronavirus outbreak.
The Warriors have relocated to Queensland for the foreseeable future because can't go home without spending 14 days in quarantine.
It's the same scenario for their loved ones if they wish to come to Australia, leaving families stranded on either side of the Tasman Sea.
"It's a bit of a hard predicament, they've got to deal with trying to uphold the game and what they do for us as individuals," Nicoll-Klokstad said.
"They've also got to uphold being a family man and everything else, so I feel for them.
"There's a bigger picture and I'm sure they paint that picture for their families. Their kids are sweet and miss their dads, but they'll be alright."
Nicoll-Klokstad is set to be cleared to play against his former teammates when the Raiders clash with the Warriors at Robina Stadium on Saturday.
The fullback failed a HIA test in the first-half of their 24-6 win over the Gold Coast Titans on Friday, which means Bailey Simonsson will likely move back to the left wing this weekend.
The NRL will go into lockdown from round two after the federal government advised against gatherings of 500 people or more, hoping to limit the potential spread of coronavirus.
Melbourne Storm skipper Cameron Smith has called for the NRL to suspended the season for a month, citing concern for the safety of players, staff and their families.
Nicoll-Klokstad is confident the league's powerbrokers will do their best to balance the concerns of the competition and player welfare.
"It's a hard one, we just finished round one. We're footy players and we've done the hard work on the paddock, all we want to do is play but it's about looking after your families," Nicoll-Klokstad said.
"With the situation the Warriors are in, man, I really feel for them.
"I really feel for my kids when I'm away for a couple of days, let alone a longer period. I just put myself in the Warriors' shoes and I'm grateful i can go home to my kids.
"I think the game is doing their best to make sure everything runs smoothly and they'll be updating us when they can."
NRL ROUND 2
Saturday: New Zealand Warriors v Canberra Raiders at Robina Stadium, 3pm.
Lucie Bertoldo
Lucie Bertoldo is a sports reporter for the Canberra Times.
Lucie Bertoldo is a sports reporter for the Canberra Times.
