A number of NRL players from St George Illawarra Dragons are being investigated by NSW Police after allegedly attending a party at Dragons’ prop player Paul Vaughan’s home during the Greater Sydney lockdown.
According to 9News sports reporter Danny Weidler, sources say that between six to a dozen players allegedly attended Vaughan’s home over the weekend. It is believed that none of the players involved with the State of Origin are part of the alleged dozen who breached NSW’s stay-at-home orders.
EXCLUSIVE: A large group of Dragons players are under investigation after a party at the home of Paul Vaughan. NRL sources say 6 players – I’ve heard many more – closer to a dozen. Huge story. @9NewsSyd @NRLonNine
— Danny Weidler (@Danny_Weidler) July 4, 2021
Up to a dozen @NRL_Dragons players under investigation over alleged biosecurity breach. Understand none of the State of Origin players are involved
— Brent Read (@brentread_7) July 4, 2021
In response to the investigation, a spokesperson for the Dragons wrote in a statement: “St George Illawarra are aware of a New South Wales state government stay-at-home order and NRL biosecurity breach involving a number of players.
“The Dragons will not make comment at this time, while the investigation into the matter with the NRL Integrity Unity and NSW Police continues.”
According to FOX Sports, Paul Vaughan was stood down last year for 14 days after breaching the COVID-19 restrictions put in place for NRL players.
The club confirmed at the time that the rugby league prop had breakfast at an Illawarra cafe, breaching the then-rules for staff and players not to attend any cafes, restaurants, or pubs.
He was stood down for 14 days and dealt a $10,000 fine.
Last weekend, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced a two-week lockdown—or stay-at-home order—across the Greater Sydney, Blue Mountains, Central Coast, and Wollongong regions. During these weeks, residents of these areas are only allowed to leave their homes for essential reasons, which includes: shopping for food and essential items, going to work or a place of study if you cannot do so from home, seeking or to offer medical care or compassionate needs, or, to exercise outdoors in groups of up to ten people.
Evidently, if the NSW Police find that the players did gather at Vaughan’s home, that would be a breach of the current stay-at-home orders.
Stay tuned for more info on this story.
