Add Category
Updated
Two NRL players have apologised for allegedly breaching the state's coronavirus distancing lockdown, after images emerged of them on a weekend away with about 10 other men.
- One of the players posted video of the alleged trip to social media
- The NRL said the footage was "disappointing and unacceptable"
- Police can issue $1,000 fines for any breach of coronavirus restrictions
NSW Police said they were investigating South Sydney Rabbitoh's fullback Latrell Mitchell and Melbourne Storm winger Josh Addo-Carr, after evidence of the weekend getaway was posted online.
Addo-Carr posted photos and videos to his Instagram account which showed the group huddled around a fire at Mitchell's property on the state's Mid-North Coast, shooting guns and riding dirt bikes at South West Rocks.
NSW's coronavirus social-distancing laws prevent non-essential travel and gatherings of people who do not already live together.
If found to have broken the laws, the people on Mitchell's property will likely face on-the-spot fines of $1,000.
Addo-Carr said in a video that he was "really sorry from the bottom of my heart".
"A couple of family members of mine were going through a really tough time, and I got a contact with Latrell to go out to his private property and try to connect to our culture again," Addo-Carr said in the video.
"And to try and put a smile on their faces and have a bit of fun as well."
In an Instagram video posted on Monday afternoon, Mitchell said the incident had been "a little bit of a slip-up".
"We're not here to break any rules or hurt anyone, we're not being selfish [but] I couldn't turn down the brothers in the time of need," Mitchell said.
Addo-Carr has since deleted the original footage, which showed the getaway, from his Instagram account.
The third NRL player, Newcastle Knights squad member Tyronne Roberts-Davis, was not in the photos around the camp but was sprung in another image posted of the group dirt biking.
In a statement issued this morning, the NRL said the photos were "disappointing and unacceptable".
"The NRL will be speaking to the players involved to seek further information and we will ensure the players provide any assistance authorities require," the statement read.
"We support the Government in any action they believe necessary."
The maximum penalty for breaking NSW's social-distancing laws is $11,000 or six months in prison.
NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Gary Worboys said the incident would be investigated.
"I have spoken this morning with the region commander," he said.
"Police haven't been backward at all in taking complaints, commencing investigations and taking the appropriate action."
Following confirmation that the NRL would restart on May 28, Australian Rugby League Commissioner Wayne Pearce yesterday said players who did not follow health restrictions would face penalties.
"We won't be compromising on what the standards of behaviour and the actions that are going to be required," he said.
The NRL said players would be taking part in an education program on the Government health orders.
"When training resumes our players and officials must comply with biosecurity protocols that go further than current government restrictions," a spokesperson said.
The NRL has been pushing for weeks to get back to playing, putting it at odds with government and public health authorities.
South Sydney said the club would ensure Mitchell provided any assistance authorities required as part of their investigations.
Melbourne said it expected players to act as role models and support community measures taken to eradicate COVID-19.
Topics: sport, nrl, health, disease-outbreak, diseases-and-disorders, infectious-diseases-other, nsw
First posted