Cronulla playmaker Nicho Hynes has tested positive to COVID-19, two days after he was training with the Blues squad.
Hynes was named in Brad Fittler’s New South Wales squad for game three, but was released so he could train and play for the Sharks in the NRL this week.
He tested negative on Monday before training with the Blues, but on Wednesday returned a positive Rapid Antigen Test and was sent home by the Sharks.
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As a result, North Queensland halfback Cha Townsend will enter NSW camp on Thursday, where he will remain if Hynes can’t return.
As reported by Nine’s Danny Weidler, Hynes will now take a PCR test.
If that is positive he will be required to isolate, and will miss Thursday’s round 17 clash with his former club, Melbourne.
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The rest of his Sharks teammates will also need to test negative before taking the field on Thursday night.
The rest of the Blues squad tested negative again on Wednesday.
The third and deciding State of Origin game will be played in Brisbane next Wednesday. Hynes is not in the top 18 of the squad, so he is not required to travel with the Blues.
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