The National Rugby League (NRL) has completed an investigation into allegations of abuse directed toward a Penrith Panthers player during a match against the New Zealand Warriors on 14 August at Central Coast Stadium.
As part of the outcomes of the investigation the NRL facilitated a conversation between Panthers player Brent Naden and a representative of a number of individuals in which apologies were offered and accepted for verbal abuse directed at Naden during the match.
After the conversation, the Integrity Unit and NRL Chief Executive Andrew Abdo consulted with Naden, The Australian Rugby League Indigenous Council (ARLIC) and community partners to determine an appropriate course of action. Together with the meeting and apology, a program of education will be offered to the persons involved concerning respect for players and the effect that abuse can have on our participants.
Mr Abdo thanked Naden for his involvement in the process.
“The game will not tolerate any form of abuse against our players - be it physical, verbal or online trolling. I commend Brent Naden for taking a strong stand on this matter and the way in which he has conducted himself throughout the process,’’ he said.
“I’m pleased Brent had the opportunity to share how he feels and I’m pleased that an apology has been made and accepted.”