Brisbane Broncos CEO Dave Donaghy has returned to Queensland to ensure the safety and well-being of staff and players’ families as Cyclone Alfred approaches the coast.
The cyclone is expected to make landfall between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast on Friday morning. Donaghy’s decision comes in the wake of the NRL moving Friday night’s Dolphins vs. Souths match from Brisbane to Sydney, a decision that drew strong criticism from Bree Nikorima, wife of Dolphins player Kodi Nikorima.
Bree expressed her frustration on Instagram, calling the move “disgusting” and accusing the league of prioritizing the game over player families. “Leaving families behind to ride out a cyclone alone, some with no support at all. I’m six months pregnant with two young kids in a flood-prone area disgusting. Do better @NRL,” she wrote, adding a vomit-face emoji.
Meanwhile, the Broncos had already flown to Sydney on Tuesday for their Thursday night clash against the Roosters at Allianz Stadium. They are scheduled to return on Friday, while their families brace for potential flooding, with 26,000 homes at risk.
The Bureau of Meteorology has indicated a slim chance that the Category 2 cyclone could intensify into a Category 3 system before making landfall late Thursday or early Friday.
Broncos coach Michael Maguire addressed the situation in Sydney on Wednesday, emphasizing the club’s proactive approach. “This is my first experience with something like this, and the club has been excellent,” he said. “Our CEO flew to Sydney last night and then straight back to ensure everyone’s safety while we’re away. The club is in constant contact with players’ families to support them.”
Maguire acknowledged the potential emotional impact on the team but reassured that open communication was helping maintain stability. “Emotionally, the preparation by the club has kept things settled,” he said. “We’re getting constant updates from back home, and we’re thinking about everyone there. It’s an uncertain situation, but we’ll handle it as best we can.”
The NRL confirmed on Tuesday evening that Friday night’s Dolphins vs. South Sydney match would be moved to CommBank Stadium in Sydney. The AFL also postponed its two opening-round games in Brisbane and the Gold Coast, which were initially scheduled for Thursday and Saturday night.
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