Australian cricket coach Justin Langer doesn’t have time for anyone complaining about being forced into a quarantine hub to continue playing professional sport in the current climiate.
Four AFL clubs from Western Australia and South Australia are currently playing successive matches in Queensland, while Melbourne Storm have temporarily had to relocate interstate amid rising COVID-19 infections in Victoria.
Langer, who has had to spend multiple months away from friends and family on extended cricket tours as both a player and coach, dismissed any suggestions sporting are doing it tough having to quarantine for a short period.
“It’s so funny because I’ve been on these Zoom calls to Rugby League and AFL coaches (in the last few weeks),” Langer told SEN’s Whateley.
“Are you guys joking me (complaining about hubs), I’m hearing like you’re going to jail and it’s like you’re going to war. You’re going to have the best time of your life, I’ve lived my whole adult life in a hub and that’s where great friendships and brotherhoods are forged.
“I think about all my good mates through cricket, we forged those relationships because we spend so many time together and that camaraderie I’m sure has helped Australian cricket teams become so much better.
“You guys are supposed to be the heartbeat of Australian sport, Rugby and footy…mate, toughen up. Like seriously.
“Talk to my (wife) who has lived her whole life doing it. And I also realised with technology the way it is now, you can stay so connected and by the time you come home, it’s like you’ve never been away.”
West Coast Eagles veteran Will Schofield voiced his displeasure about the timeline on departing the hub in an interview on SEN’s Dwayne’s World last week.
Similarly, Adam Simpson said the club would be leaving the Gold Coast after playing Richmond at Metricon Stadium on July 2.