Signings delayed as NRLW waits for Apollo clearance

NRLW clubs are hoping to start training as early as next week after Project Apollo met this week to finalise details around biosecurity measures that need to be put in place for the women's competition.

A four-week period for contracts to be signed was originally due to begin on Monday for clubs to lock in their squads for the 2020 competition but league officials have delayed that by a week due to the uncertainty around various issues.

The Warriors' situation appears to be the biggest logistical hurdle with several players understood to be committed to travelling to Australia and spending 14 days in isolation before being able to train.

The remaining squad spots - potentially more than half of the roster - are expected to be filled by local players in NSW and Queensland who can agree to all the requirements.  

Various measures are being considered for NRLW premiers Brisbane to deal with the Queensland Government's border control measures.

Options being considered are relocating the team to NSW for the competition's entirety or allowing the Broncos to operate under a fly in, fly out scenario like the Queensland-based NRL sides.

All NRLW teams will need to operate under strict protocols for players, coaches and performance staff, in line with the Apollo committee’s biosecurity measures.

NRL.com understands a 10-page document has been distributed to the NRLW clubs, which includes a pre-screening of information for players to detail who lives with them and who visits them.

Warriors centre Jules Newman was the first player to rule herself out of travelling to Australia with the commitments considered too risky.

The Roosters have also distanced themselves from signing Queensland-based players Karina Brown and Tallisha Harden in another shake-up for the side under Jamie Feeney.

The Tricolours have all but agreed to terms with Australian rugby sevens star Charlotte Caslick, while the Broncos are tipped to land her national teammate Ellia Green.​