So now we know according to the NRL what the game is really worth.........look at the excuses they have rolled out to explain just how they arrived at the punishment...
‘Shame and embarrassment’: Koroisau breaks silence as wife blasts ‘painful lies'
www.foxsports.com.au
The Penrith Panthers will be without Api Koroisau for the next fortnight after the star hooker was handed
a two-match ban and $35,000 fine for a Covid breach during Origin camp.
The NRL integrity unit launched an investigation on Thursday into allegations a NSW player breached the State of Origin Covid bubble rules by bringing a woman into camp.
It came after
the Daily Mail reported Blues rookie Koroisau sneaked a woman, who was not his wife, into camp twice during his debut series.
The NRL confirmed the sanctions on Friday evening.
“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,” a statement read.
“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 CEO Andrew Abdo stressed that the governing body was going to great lengths to ensure there are no further breaches.
“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.”
he Daily Mail reports the woman in question claims she met Koroisau via social media platform Instagram and they began messaging in early June.
The woman claims they met twice while he was in Blues camp, and were due to meet a third time before Koroisau called it off after Queensland forward Jai Arrow was booted out of Maroons camp for bringing a woman in against the rules.
It’s reported the woman contacted Koroisau’s wife to alert her to the alleged affair.
Foxsports.com.au contacted the NRL and Koroisau’s club, Penrith, on Thursday night after the allegations came to light but the Panthers chose not to comment.
A spokesperson from the NRL said; “the NSWRL has advised the NRL integrity unit of an alleged biosecurity breach after game two of State of Origin. The NRL integrity unit is currently investigating the matter”.
The NRL did not confirm the player’s identity or any other specifics.
ARL Commission chairman Peter V’landys told 2GB Radio on Friday morning anyone found guilty of breaching the biosecurity protocols would face significant sanctions.
“It’s an allegation at this stage,” he said.
“We only became aware of it yesterday.
“It was first brought to the attention of the NSWRL yesterday who then referred it to the integrity department. We haven’t really had a chance to investigate it and see the veracity of the allegations.”
Meanwhile, Penrith Panthers coach Ivan Cleary is confident the drama surrounding Koroisau won't have a negative impact on the team’s premiership charge.
Cleary was asked during a press conference on Friday, before the sanction was handed down, whether had in contact with Koroisau.
“I’ve spoken to Api,” he answered.
“I think it’s not appropriate really for me to comment on what he said and what he hasn’t, obviously the investigation is still going. Once the NRL’s finalised that then as a club we’ll come out with a statement.”
It’s an unwelcomed distraction for the second-placed Panthers who hope to go one better this season and lift the Provan-Summons trophy on grand final day.
However, a calm Cleary wasn’t too concerned when asked whether the allegations and investigation would affect his side.
“It’s certainly been a year of challenges anyway and these things come along… it’s never a straight line in trying to be successful so we’ll deal with this pretty much like any other bump in the road,” Cleary said.
Koroisau is named in the No.9 jersey for Penrith’s clash with Brisbane on Saturday, however that will now change.
“Until we know the sanctions, if any, then we’ll make a call.
“We’ve got some contingencies anyway in the squad with Mitch Kenny on the bench. Whatever happens we’ll make a final decision once the NRL’s made their decision.”
The Panthers take on the table-topping Storm next week.
The club released a statement on Friday evening saying they support the sanction.
“Penrith Panthers acknowledges and supports the NRL sanction imposed on Apisai Koroisau for a breach of NRL biosecurity protocols,” it read.
“Apisai has expressed genuine remorse for his actions and understands the potential ramifications of his decisions on the viability of the game.
“Panthers is providing the Koroisau family with all the necessary support and kindly asks the media to respect their privacy at this time.”
