Pedro Rolando could only watch from afar as a nation-wide lockdown brought life in his native Buenos Aires to a sudden halt.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The streets of the Argentine capital lie barren and empty after five long months of stringent coronavirus restrictions, with citizens unable to leave their homes.
The Canberra Royals halfback calls his family twice a week and says he feels helpless in their struggle, grateful for the current restrictions in Australia.
"They're not allowed to leave the house unless they're going to get groceries or to see a doctor. They're not allowed to do anything, there's literally no one in the street," Rolando said.
"I'm trying to talk a bit more with them, trying to talk maybe once or twice a week. Trying to see how they are, how's the situation, if anything's improved, if they can get out of the house. But it's a bit frustrating for them at the moment.
"Knowing that they're going through a very hard time there, it's a bit scary because at the end of the day there's nothing you can do to try to help them."
Due to the international travel ban, Rolando is unable to visit his family and friends after a two year absence.
He had plans to visit Buenos Aires in January for his cousin's wedding and also wanted to travel with his girlfriend.
"I usually go there every two or two-and-a-half years. My cousin is getting married in January but unfortunately with everything happening, we won't be able to go over there for at least another year," Rolando said.
MORE CANBERRA SPORT
"I had everything planned with my girlfriend to travel over there and this situation is pretty frustrating that we won't be allowed to."
Having done all he can do for his family overseas, Rolando shifts his focus to the Royals' John I Dent Cup campaign.
The scrumhalf became the club's all-time highest points scorer last week, passing Craig McMahon with over 1000 points.
His historic record could be extended further on Saturday, with the Royals to meet the ladder-leading Uni-Norths Owls at ANU.
Rolando is proud of achieving the milestone but says he hadn't given it much thought before last week's Vikings win.
"I've been playing for Royals for six or seven years now and to be honest, I never thought that I could get to 1000 points and this milestone. It's not something that I planned or anything, it just happened," Rolando said.
"I didn't know until the week before that there was a possibility, so I didn't give it much importance. But then after the game, I was speaking with all my friends and everyone at the club - they've been very supportive.
"I think it's an honour to be in the history of the club and up there with some very important names. So it's something to be proud of."
JOHN I DENT CUP: Round seven
Saturday at 3.05pm - Gungahlin Eagles v Wests at Portsea Oval, Uni-Norths Owls v Canberra Royals at ANU Field 1, Queanbeyan Whites v Tuggeranong Vikings at Campese Field.
