The Illawarra Steelers tribute luncheon to the Morris family, scheduled for February 3 at WIN Stadium, has been postponed on the recommendation of ARL chairman, Peter V'landys.
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Event co-ordinator, Bob Millward said that several restrictions placed on the function by the NRL's 2022 clubs' pre-season protocols and the current NSW state government's Covid health regulations and restrictions had led to this decision.
Steve Morris and twin sons Brett and Josh were to be honoured for their unique achievement of all three having represented Australia at Test level in rugby league.
Steve earned his Australian jumper while still playing for Dapto in 1978, while the twins combined for 24 Tests, 30 Origins and more than 600 NRL games.
Millward said it was disappointing to have arrived at this decision.
"Over 300 attendees had registered to attend this historic occasion," he said.
Peter V'landys said that the Illawarra Steelers are to be complimented for the planning put into the tribute luncheon, but said a postponement was the best option.
"Unfortunately, Brett Morris, now on the Sydney Roosters coaching staff, and the twins' former coach Trent Robinson would not be permitted to attend."
"Unfortunately, Brett Morris, who has now joined the Sydney Roosters coaching staff, and the twins' former coach Trent Robinson would not be permitted to attend, because of the NRL rules put in place to protect all clubs' employees and for the 2022 competition to proceed without disruption," V'landys, himself a Wests Devils junior, said.
Bob Millward said every effort will be made to hold this event at a later date to honour our former Illawarra-South Coast Juniors.
"They deserve the recognition," he said.