Police charge NRL star Josh Dugan over alleged Covid breach

NRL star Josh Dugan has been charged by police after allegedly breaching NSW’s strict Covid-19 restrictions. He denies any wrongdoing.

The Daily Telegraph reports the Sharks player has been charged after officers from the Chifley Police District pulled over Dugan and another man late on Friday evening while patrolling Lithgow. Both men were approximately 150km from their homes.

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The pair have been charged with two counts each of failing to comply with Covid-19 directions and will face court in Lithgow in October.

According to Daily Telegraph rugby league reporter David Riccio, Dugan was proclaiming his innocence of any wrongdoing.

“Dugan claims that he will prove and show that he has paperwork that he was set to reside in Lithgow, he was moving home,” Riccio told SEN 1170 Breakfast on Monday, before news broke Dugan had been charged.

“That took the Sharks by surprise, they didn’t know that information.

“At the very least, aside from stupidity, I think Dugan has broken the NRL’s level four bubble and that alone is a breach.

“But, he sent me a text message on Saturday suggesting that he does have the necessary paperwork to prove it.”

Josh Dugan has found himself in hot water multiple times during his career.Source:News Corp Australia

An NRL spokesperson confirmed to news.com.au on Saturday the NRL was aware of the matter and was liaising with police and the club.

“The men allegedly weren’t wearing masks and checks revealed they were from Gymea and Alexandria (in Sydney),” a police spokesman said on the weekend.

“The driver allegedly told police they were moving to the area and were going to feed animals, however later admitted they were heading to a friend’s house for the weekend.

“They were directed to return home. About 40 minutes later, officers detected the same vehicle travelling away from Sydney towards Yetholme. The men were stopped and again directed to return to their homes. Charges are expected to be laid.”

The Cronulla Sharks contacted the NRL’s integrity unit after being made aware of the incident on Saturday morning.

The NRL fined Dugan $25,000 earlier this year after he breached Covid-19 protocols in a separate incident.

The 31-year-old was spotted at a Potts Point restaurant with friends after the NRL had imposed Level 3 biosecurity protocols, which required players to remain at home unless training, playing or conducting essential household requirements.

“I just want to say I’m sorry, it was an error in judgment,’’ Dugan told News Corp at the time.

“It’s been a difficult period for me personally and I’m putting my hand up on this one.”

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