The NRL had stated players were required to get a flu shot as part of their strict biosecurity protocols to allow the competition to re-start. A group of players - led by Gold Coast forward Bryce Cartwright - had been vocal this week about their refusal to get the vaccination.

However, on Thursday evening, the NRL announced that players who refused to get a flu shot could train and play "under compelling circumstances" - but they must sign a revised waiver.

Exceptional circumstances for players could include religious, medical or conscientious grounds.

Vaughan said he respected people's rights to refuse the vaccination, but he had already had his done.

"I had no dramas about doing it, I had the vaccination, but I guess it comes to the boys who religious beliefs and stuff like that. Everyone has their own stance on it," the 29-year-old said.

"The new protocols are pretty interesting. It's obviously all in place so we can get the game on the road and back doing what we love. It's a little bit hard for me, I like spending time outside. But I'm doing everything I can to follow the rules. The rules are tight but hopefully everything eases off in the coming weeks. But it's a great place to start."

St George Illawarra players returned to training at WIN Stadium this week and Vaughan said everyone was respecting the new protocols.

"Obviously with training, we're in a couple of groups at the moment." he said.

"But all of the boys have come back in pretty reasonable shape so we're hitting the ground running and have to focus on a few things for the first game. But it's exciting times to get back and start the season again.

"I think with my fitness, I didn't let myself blow out too much because you don't want to lose what you've already built. We had a tough pre season, we got through a lot of work. When we went away, we made a decision collectively as a group to stay fit and stay active. We all have a common goal here at the Saints. If everyone respects their body, which I think they have, it just makes the job a little easier."

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When the competition resumes, Vaughan will be striving to prove he deserves representative honours again. He made his State of Origin debut in 2018 and has played in all six games since.

This year's Origin series is set to be played over three consecutive weeks after the NRL grand final due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

If he earns NSW selection, Vaughan said it would be a "pretty cool" opportunity so late in the year.

"As a player, whether it be in the middle of the season or the end, it's just a privilege to be part of it," he said.

"I'm stoked that it's going ahead and with the three weeks back to back, at the end of the season, I don't mind that idea to be honest. I think it's pretty cool to spend a few weeks in camp with the boys, get the camaraderie and get that bond built pretty early.

"With Origin, it's a good idea that clubs don't get too affected in the middle of the year. We have quite a few boys who represent Saints as a club in the Origin period so hopefully it won't affect us in the middle of the season and we can build consistent performances all the way through."