NRL investigate claims NSW star snuck woman into State of Origin camp
The NRL's integrity unit has launched an investigation into allegations Api Koroisau breached biosecurity protocols by twice sneaking a woman into NSW State of Origin camp.
The Daily Mail claims Koroisau snuck a woman into the Blues biosecurity bubble the day before the team left for Kingscliff to escape the growing Covid-19 outbreak in Sydney.
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He is then alleged to have met the woman again on the day of Origin II in Brisbane when the players were in a strict biosecurity bubble.
Koroisau was 18th man in the first two games of the series before making his Origin debut in Game III.
The NSWRL became aware of the allegations on Thursday night and alerted the NRL's integrity unit, which has started an immediate investigation.
"The NSWRL has advised the NRL Integrity Unit of an alleged biosecurity breach after game two of State of Origin," they said in a statement.
"The NRL Integrity Unit is currently investigating the matter."
Api Koroisau facing strict penalties if found guilty
If found guilty the Penrith star and Blues hooker can expect severe penalties.
The potential breaches could damage the relationship with the Queensland government, who have strict requirements to allow the NRL to continue playing in the state.
Already the NRL has handed down harsh penalties for biosecurity breaches, including a two-game ban to Jai Arrow who breached the Queensland Origin bubble in game three.
The NRL also handed down suspensions and fines worth $305,000 to St George Illawarra players after a now infamous barbecue at Paul Vaughan's home.
"We've proven that anyone who breaches the protocols puts the competition at risk and puts the income of all their fellow players at risk, and they will be penalised," said ARLC chairman Peter V'landys on 2GB on Friday morning.
"We certainly penalised the St George team and Jai Arrow and he'll be no different if these allegations are proven."
Penrith coach Ivan Cleary responded to the controversy on Friday morning.
"The one thing we do know on the moral side of things, which I don't feel like that's appropriate for me to talk about," he said.
"I'm certainly not going to discuss anything there, but as a club we'll come out with a statement once the NRL has finished their investigation.
"What I will say is we are doing everything we possibly can to support Amy (Koroisau's wife) at this time and we'll continue to do so."
with AAP
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