NRL coach to miss season opener with Covid

NRL Cronulla Sharks head coach Craig Fitzgibbon will miss his side’s opening game due to a positive Covid result.

The side travel to Canberra Raiders in round one of the NRL season.

Fitzgibbon, 44, is expected to return for round two for Cronulla’s clash with Parramatta Eels in the NRL.

The Sharks have experienced assistants in Steve Price, Josh Hannay and Daniel Holdsworth on board to oversee match day responsibilities and the team’s final training sessions.

Craig Fitzgibbon: ‘My health is fine’ 

“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 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. I will be in constant communications with the coaches and players.”

A member of the premiership-winning Sharks coaching staff in 2016, Price has returned to the Cronulla club after a stint in charge of Warrington. Hannay capably took over the reins as interim NRL coach at the Sharks during the 2021 season.

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