As the NRL pushes forward with their May 28 restart, the Queensland state government has doubled down on footy players opposing mandatory flu vaccinations stated in the competition's new medical protocols.

Though a small minority 20 throughout the competition has caused problems for rugby league's governing body which ultimately forced the Queensland state government to take action.

Queensland Chief Health Officer Jeanette Young explained that the state would continue preventing players from training but now will stop them from playing and entering the state.

The Gold Coast Titans have accepted their state government's stance and have since released a statement outlining that both Bryce Cartwright and Brian Kelly have until Thursday to accept the vaccine or will remain stood down.

“The Gold Coast Titans have made formal requests to Bryce Cartwright and Brian Kelly to obtain up-to-date influenza and, as required, pneumococcal vaccinations," the club said in a statement.

“Doing so will enable each player to meet the requirements of the Queensland State Government’s protocols allowing Queensland-based NRL Clubs to train and play.

“In turn, this will allow both players to resume training and to play with the Titans when the NRL Telstra Premiership resumes on May 28.

“Both players have been asked to notify the Club of their agreement with this direction by Thursday 14 May."

If either or both players continue their refusal the club is likely to cut contractual payments leaving their careers in jeopardy. 

Reports claim that Cartwright could likely walk away though Titans culture manager Mal Meninga told Fox Sports that Kelly has been spoken to by health experts.