The Wests Tigers National Rugby League side have made plans to train in Auckland this week if the volcanic ash cloud continues to prevent flights between New Zealand and Australia.
Players, staff and officials from the NRL club were unable to return to Sydney on their scheduled Qantas flight on Monday and expect to be grounded until at least Tuesday thanks to the eruption in Chile.."
The Tigers completed their scheduled recovery session in Auckland on Monday after a remarkable, Benji Marshall-led comeback 26-22 win over the Warriors at Mt Smart Stadium the day before.
The Tigers' next opponents, Melbourne, are not expected to experience any trouble leaving the Victorian capital in time for Sunday's clash at Leichhardt Oval but Tim Sheens' men could begin their preparation for the crucial match in New Zealand.
The Tigers did manage to get a seat on an Emirates flight home for captain Robbie Farah, who has been called into the NSW State of Origin squad as 19th man.
Queensland 18th man Jacob Lillyman also managed to get a flight after earlier being stranded at Auckland airport and joined his Maroon teammates in Coolum.
The airline strife also affected referees, the Toyota Cup and media commentators.
The five-man refereeing team, headed by Gavin Badger and Tony de las Heras, for Monday night's clash between the Storm and the Sydney Roosters was forced to fly to Albury and drive the remaining 320km to Melbourne.
However, the NRL had to cancel the Toyota Cup match, with the Roosters under-20 team unable to board their flight to Melbourne on Monday.
Triple M and Nine Network commentator Andrew Johns remained stuck in Auckland.
Nine will be sweating on Johns and co-commentator Phil Gould making it back for Wednesday night's telecast of State of Origin II from ANZ Stadium.
