The Warriors have urged government officials to reconsider a decision that will deny Eliesa Katoa and Selestino Ravutaumada re-entry to New Zealand at the end of the 2020 NRL season.
Katoa, originally from Tonga, and Fijian-born Ravutaumada were both living across the Tasman on work visas.
The 20-year-olds both finished their schooling in New Zealand, with Ravutaumada even representing the junior Kiwis.
But under the nation’s COVID-19 rules non-citizens are banned from returning to the Shaky Isles at the completion of the Australia-based Warriors' campaign.
MORE: Mitchell drops bombshell retirement admission
As first reported by Stuff, the Warriors’ attempts to obtain a waiver from the government on behalf of the duo have so far been in vain.
Warriors CEO Cameron George declared he will allow the young guns to stay at his Australian residence if the Kiwi government stands firm but urged officials to review the controversial call.
“So what are we going to do? Drop them off and leave them on the shores of Australia?” Warriors CEO Cameron George told Stuff.
“I call on the New Zealand government to review and reconsider this.”
Katoa has played eight games for the Warriors since making his NRL debut in Round 1 against the Newcastle Knights.
Ravutaumada, who was a schoolboy rugby union star at Rotorua Boys' High School, is yet to earn selection for the Warriors at NRL level.
The Warriors have been in Australia since the beginning of May and will remain Down Under until at least the completion of the regular season on September 27.
They are scheduled to play Wests Tigers in a Round 12 clash at the SCG on Friday night.
