Phil Gould's fiery rant over Bulldogs schoolgirl controversy
Rugby league legend Phil Gould has launched an extraordinary tirade against Canterbury Bulldogs duo Corey Harawira-Naera and Jayden Okunbor over the sex scandal that has overshadowed the first round of the NRL.
The pair have been temporarily stood down by the NRL and issued show cause notices, with serious sanctions proposed after allegedly bringing schoolgirls back to the team hotel during a recent pre-season trip to Port Macquarie.
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There is no suggestion either player committed a criminal offence.
The Bulldogs feature in the season opener against Parramatta, meaning coverage of the lead up to the game has been dominated by the scandal.
Gould used his Six Tackles With Gus podcast to savage the two players over what he described as an ‘unthinkable’ decision.
“What these two boys have done, it just defies belief,” Gould said.
“I can’t believe, after everything we’ve been through, that this would even be a thought.
“These players have just got to get it through their thick heads. It’s just ridiculous, it really is ridiculous.”
NRL CEO left furious after sex scandal
Todd Greenberg has warned the NRL is ready to send a message in the form of a severe punishment if allegations from the Canterbury schoolgirl scandal are proven.
An angry Greenberg said the incident was "completely unacceptable" and would "not be tolerated".
"Part of being a first grade player is being a role model," Greenberg said on Wednesday night.
"Respect for women is a fundamental aspect of our training courses from rookies to elite players.
"That's why we took immediate action in provisionally suspending both players allegedly involved in the matters under investigation.
"Rest assured, if these breaches are sustained the players will face significant sanctions which will both meet community expectation, and send a message to every single player in our game."
The sorry saga has already had major repercussions on the Bulldogs, with restaurant chain Rashays pulling the pin on their $2 million sponsorship deal.
