Cyclone Alfred Forces NRL Players to Withdraw as Games Relocate

Several Dolphins players opt to stay with their families as Cyclone Alfred approaches Brisbane, while the NRL moves matches to Sydney for safety.

Dolphins players Kodi Nikorima, Mark Nicholls, and Kenny Bromwich have withdrawn from their Round 1 match against the Rabbitohs to remain with their families during Cyclone Alfred.
The NRL relocated the Dolphins' match from Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium to Parramatta's CommBank Stadium, citing safety concerns for players and fans.
Bree Nikorima, Kodi Nikorima's partner, criticized the NRL for prioritizing the game over family safety, highlighting her pregnancy and flood-prone home.
The Dolphins and Broncos have implemented measures to support players' families, including hotel accommodations and welfare checks during the cyclone.
Cyclone Alfred is expected to make landfall on Friday as a Category 2 storm, with the potential to affect over 26,000 homes in southern Queensland.