Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
AAP
AAP
Sport
Scott Bailey

Dugan in strife over alleged health breach

Sharks player Josh Dugan is being investigated for leaving greater Sydney in breach of COVID laws. (AAP)

The NRL is investigating claims Josh Dugan breached the public health order after the Cronulla centre was allegedly pulled over in Lithgow on Friday night.

A police report said a 31-year-old man and his passenger were stopped twice in NSW's central tablelands after being told to return to Sydney.

Integrity unit officials spent Saturday morning speaking to both NSW Police and the Sharks after being informed of the situation.

Dugan is not part of Cronulla's Queensland hub, but is still under level-four restrictions from the NRL which limit him to only leaving home for training and essential needs.

NSW Police claim health orders were breached with the individual leaving Sydney, before being allegedly misled about the reasons for his travel.

"Officers from Chifley Police District were conducting patrols in Lithgow when they stopped a Jeep Cherokee at about 11.30pm yesterday (Friday)," NSW Police said.

"Police spoke to the driver, a 31-year-old man, and his passenger, a man aged 30.

"The men allegedly weren't wearing masks and checks revealed they were from Gymea and Alexandria.

"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."

Police said the men were again directed to return home and warned charges were expected to be laid.

Dugan's NRL future remains uncertain with the former NSW State of Origin star off contract at Cronulla and not expected to be re-signed.

The 31-year-old has not played since round 11 and there is every chance the Sharks' win over St George Illawarra that night could have been his last NRL game.

Dugan was already fined $25,000 by the NRL in June for another breach of the game's biosecurity laws when he attended a restaurant.

At the time that was not against public health orders.

The NRL has confirmed they are aware of the most recent incident.

"The integrity unit is aware of the matter and is liaising with NSW Police and the club," an NRL spokesman said.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.