The National Rugby League (NRL) has issued NSW Blues player Api Koroisau with a Breach Notice for failing to comply with the game’s biosecurity protocols during the State’s Game II camp.
The Notice proposes Koroisau is fined $35,000 and suspended for 2 matches to be served immediately.
In issuing the proposed penalty, the NRL has taken into account that the alleged breach took place prior to more recent breaches, including before a group of St George Illawarra Dragons players breached NSW Public Health orders and before Queensland Player Jai Arrow breached the game’s biosecurity protocols. It also takes into account the alleged breach was shortly after an upgrade in biosecurity protocols.
It’s alleged Koroisau attended the hotel room of an individual who was not part of the team’s biosecurity bubble on 27 June.
The NRL is offering ongoing welfare support to Koroisau’s family.
NRL Chief Executive Andrew Abdo said the game had further increased measures to ensure compliance to protocols and Public Health Orders since Origin II.
“All club hotels, under quarantine orders, are currently fenced off from the public and patrolled by security 24 hours a day,’’ he said.
“We are taking every precaution to ensure there is no breach of the protocols and to keep the Queensland community safe.
“The environment has rapidly changed since this breach and players understand the consequences of failing to comply with the protocols.”
