NRL star says he “won’t be bullied into a flu shot” by Scott Morrison
<p>Gold Coast NRL player Bryce Cartwright has maintained firm in his stance to not get a flu shot despite pressure from the Prime Minister Scott Morrison who has called for a “no jab, no play” approach to be adopted.</p>
<p>ARL Commission chairman Peter V'landys is bound to enter talks with the RLPA to encourage players to agree to vaccination after Cartwright said he would not be “bullied into getting a flu shot” – a move that polarised the rugby league community.</p>
<p>Getting the flu shot is part of NRL's strict biosecurity protocols in order to restart the competition next month following the coronavirus shutdown, however Cartwright has flatly refused.</p>
<p>It prompted even Morrison to weigh in, saying the NRL should enforce a "no jab, no play" policy that would make sure players who refused to receive the flu shot would not be allowed to play.</p>
<p>Cartwright has continued to fiercely defend his decision however and claims it would be “coercion” if he was forced to get a jab against his wishes.</p>
<p>The star further claims he is not the only player in the NRL who refuses vaccination.</p>
<p>The Titans player says his decision to not want a flu shot has been leaked to the media, which has sparked "anti-vaxxer" backlash.</p>
<p>"I won't be bullied into making decisions that could impact my health and the health of my family," he posted on social media.</p>
<p>"The flu shot is not mandatory in the NRL at the moment.</p>
<p>"Giving us the ultimatum of getting the shot or be stood down is coercion and leaking private medical information is illegal.</p>
<p>"As for me being the first and apparently only one declining the shot is b******t and far from the truth."</p>
<p>Cartwright's wife Shanelle also spoken outright about her husband’s decision to refuse vaccination and on Wednesday wrote: "the proof is in the pudding, our kids are a picture of health".</p>
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<p>But Cartwright said he was not an anti-vaxxer.</p>
<p>"Not once have I said I am anti-vaccinations," he said.</p>
<p>"I have never told anyone what they should or shouldn't do in regard to vaccinations.</p>
<p>"I stand for the freedom to choose who goes into our bodies..so to label me an 'anti-vaxxer' is spreading misinformation."</p>
<p>The star added: "I know people in my industry with vaccine injured children and the herd NEVER stuck around for them.</p>
<p>"These are our bodies and we decide what goes in them."</p>
<p>Cartwright has signed a vaccination waiver in order to train with the Titans but must explain his actions to NRL chief medical officer Paul Bloomfield.</p>
<p>An NRL spokesperson has said that any player refusing the shot would have to be dealt with on a case-by-case basis amid consultation with club and NRL medical staff.</p>