NRL stars Josh Addo-Carr and Latrell Mitchell flout social distancing measures

Drew Darbyshire

The NRL has criticised Melbourne winger Josh Addo-Carr and South Sydney full-back Latrell Mitchell for flouting Australia’s social distancing measures.

The pair and Newcastle squad Tyronne Roberts-Davis were fined $1,000 by New South Wales Police after a gathering with several others over the weekend.

Police were alerted after Addo-Carr posted images, since deleted, on his Instagram account as the trio ignored Government orders of staying 1.5 metres apart and gathering in large groups because of coronavirus.

An NRL statement read: “Our players are role models and we expect them to lead by example during this pandemic.

“On face value, the image in today’s media is both disappointing and an unacceptable breach of health orders.

“The NRL will be speaking to the players involved to seek further information and we will ensure the players provide any assistance authorities require.

“We are embarking on a significant education program to ensure our players understand what is acceptable behaviour ahead of the resumption of training.

“When training resumes our players and officials must comply with biosecurity protocols that go further than current Government restrictions.

“As a group, our players have taken Government health orders very seriously and have helped educate the community. On face value, today’s matter is unacceptable and we support the Government in any action they believe necessary.”

The NRL suspended the 2020 season last month because of the pandemic but it will return on May 28.

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