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NBL's Sydney Kings in coronavirus scare

Shayne HopeAAP
A Sydney Kings player has tested positive to COVID-19, putting a stop to the NBL club's pre-season.
Camera IconA Sydney Kings player has tested positive to COVID-19, putting a stop to the NBL club's pre-season. Credit: AAP

The Sydney Kings have suspended their pre-season training program indefinitely after a player at the NBL club tested positive to COVID-19.

The Kings released a statement on Thursday confirming the player was tested and immediately self-isolated once he displayed symptoms.

The player was not named.

All other players and staff who are deemed close contacts will now be tested and self-isolate in adherence with NSW Health protocols.

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"Our primary concern is for the health and wellbeing of our players, staff and their families and ensuring that we adhere to NSW Health regulations to mitigate any further risk to the wider community," Kings chief executive Chris Pongrass said.

"We will continue to work with the NBL and NSW Health to ensure the health and safety of our players and staff.

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"While this is another hurdle for our playing group, we are resilient and our preparations for NBL22 continue.

"We look forward to being back out on court in front of our fans at Qudos Bank Arena in the coming months for what will be an exciting season."

The 2021-22 NBL season is slated to begin on November 18.

The Kings confirmed the majority of their playing group and staff are either fully vaccinated or have had their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

NBL Commissioner Jeremy Loeliger said the league will not mandate vaccinations for players or staff, but "will continue to educate our people and will strongly recommend it".

"It may be that those who don't get vaccinated won't be able to travel between states and countries, or even enter certain venues, and therefore won't be able to participate in some games when the season begins," Loeliger said.

"Individuals that decide not to get vaccinated could be subjected to different rules depending on various government protocols and restrictions."

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