Premiership forward Jamie Cripps has left the West Coast Eagles high performance centre in Queensland for the imminent arrival of his first child.

Cripps, who was a strong contributor in the team’s 27-point loss to Richmond last night, returned to Perth today to be with his partner, Olivia, to support her and be present for the impending birth.

“We knew this was a likely scenario and as a club we are fully committed to the ‘family first’ mantra that is an important value at our club,” General Manager – Football Craig Vozzo said today.

“We will offer every possible support to Jamie and Olivia as they approach the most exciting event of their lives.

“We are not sure when Jamie will return, we will work through those logistics at the appropriate time.”

While Cripps returned home, another premiership star is preparing to join his teammates at Sanctuary Cove in south-east Queensland.

Elliot Yeo remained in Perth because of a bad dose of influenza when the rest of the travelling flew east on Tuesday morning. He was quarantined in both his own interests and those of his teammates, but has been given medical clearance and will arrive in the Sunshine State on Sunday.