COVID-19 updates: Bulldogs, Dugan fined for biosecurity breaches
NRL.com Wed 30 Jun 2021, 06:01 PM
Canterbury have been handed a $50,000 breach notice for failing to take all reasonable measures to ensure their players comply with the NRL's biosecurity rules.
The NRL announced on Wednesday that the club had failed to immediately notify its playing squad and football staff of additional restrictions that were placed on Sydney based NRL clubs on June 17.
It also alleges when the club communicated the changes the following day, "it failed to effectively communicate the restrictions to ensure players and officials understood exactly the obligations placed on them".
The five players who attended the Coogee Bay Hotel and Royal Hotel in Bondi on June 20 - Dylan Napa, Brandon Wakeham, Corey Waddell, Sione Katoa and Aaron Schoupp - have also been issued breach notices.
The breach notice proposes fines which take into account the varying salaries of the players and the alleged shortcomings of the club’s communications.
- Dylan Napa - $5000
- Brandon Wakeham - $1750
- Corey Waddell $1500
- Sione Katoa $1250
- Aaron Schoupp $250
The players must complete 14 days self-isolation in compliance with NSW Government Health Orders after being deemed close contacts of a positive case, ruling them out of Canterbury's matches against Manly this Saturday and the Roosters seven days later.
NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said clubs had a responsibility to ensure their players clearly understand the biosecurity protocols.
"Our biosecurity protocols are the most important part of the competition, they are our licence to continue playing during the pandemic," he said.
"All clubs and players have a responsibility to ensure they comply with the rules to keep themselves and the community safe.
"In this instance we believe the Bulldogs failed to ensure the upgraded protocols were clearly explained to their players.
"This sanction sends a clear message to every club that you must do everything possible to ensure players understand the protocols.
"The players also have an obligation to seek further information if they are unsure of the upgraded biosecurity advice.
"Given the breach took place several days after the upgraded protocols had been communicated, we believe a sanction upon the players is also appropriate. In issuing the sanctions, we have taken into account that the players had a degree of confusion about the protocols."
Canterbury issued a statement to say they were disappointed at the sanctions handed down by the NRL regarding communications and would be “conducting a thorough internal review and will respond to the sanctions within the five-day period”.
Dugan fined $25,000
Cronulla centre Josh Dugan has been issued with a breach notice for failing to comply with the game’s Biosecurity Protocols. The notice proposes Dugan be fined $25,000.
The breach notice alleges Dugan attended a restaurant in Potts Point on June 25 in breach of Level 3+ Biosecurity Protocols which require players to remain at home unless training, playing or conducting essential household requirements.
It is alleged that Dugan had been fully informed of his obligations by the Sharks and chose not to comply with them.
The alleged incident occurred late last week, prior to the NSW Government lockdown and was therefore not a violation of the NSW Government public health orders in place at the time.
A Cronulla statement said Dugan has returned a negative COVID test and hasn’t been in contact with other members of the playing group or staff due to the Sharks NRL squad having time off last week during the representative bye round.
However, he must undergo a mandatory 14-day isolation period and undergo further COVID testing before being permitted to return to training or be available for team selection.
News updates on the NRL as the competition deals with the COVID-19 pandemic.
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