NRL team in jeopardy after alleged 'party' during NSW restrictions
A number of Dragons players have found themselves in hot water after the NRL and NSW police announced they are being investigated for an alleged party at forward Paul Vaughan's house during the state's restrictions.
The club has confirmed that a number of players are under investigation with the number who allegedly attended the party in Shellharbour on Saturday believed to be between 10 and 15.
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The alleged party would not only breach the code's biosecurity bubble, enforced to help keep the game running during tough Covid-19 restrictions, but would be a clear breach of NSW law.
Key in the NRL's investigation is whether any visitors to the house were not part of the Dragons' bubble, given that would make for a NRL biosecurity issue and force a two-week isolation period.
At this stage it is believed that was not the case, but the players may still face fines and bans.
The incident is particularly badly timed, as the NRL is in negotiations with state governments, seeking access across closed borders to allow the competition to continue.
"The integrity unit is speaking with the club and the players involved," an NRL spokesman said.
"The NRL will follow the advice of the game's biosecurity experts."
Dugan slapped with fine over NRL bubble breach
Cronulla veteran Josh Dugan was last week hit with a $25,000 fine and two weeks isolation for attending a Sydney restaurant after the NRL's bubble was put in place.
It marks the second time Vaughan has found himself under investigation for a biosecurity breach, after missing two games for visiting a cafe last year.
NSW Police also involved in Dragons bubble breach party at Paul Vaughan’s house, given it would also be against stay-at-home orders. Club could struggle to put out a team after the bye in Rd 18 if NRL comes down on them like they have others in last 15 months. Story on @AAPSport
— Scott Bailey (@ScottBaileyAAP) July 4, 2021
"St George Illawarra are aware of a NSW state government stay-at-home order and NRL biosecurity breach involving a number of players," the club said in a statement.
"The Dragons will not make comment at this time, while the investigation into the matter with the NRL Integrity Unit and NSW Police continues."
with AAP
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