NRL 2021: Canterbury Bulldogs whack ‘Bondi-five’ for boozy session

The fines keep coming in rugby league, with Canterbury drawing a line in the sand after five players breached Covid protocols as the extent of the night has been revealed.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 02: Dylan Napa of the Bulldogs and team mates look dejected during the round four NRL match between the Canterbury Bulldogs and the South Sydney Rabbitohs at Stadium Australia, on April 02, 2021, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

The Bulldogs have whacked the “Bondi-five” including prop Dylan Napa who failed to turn up to training after a boozy session which also breached the game’s Covid-19 protocols.

Napa did not attend training the next day while the other four Brandon Wakeham, Corey Waddell, Sione Katoa and Aaron Schoupp turned up to the recovery session but were all breached for breaking the club’s protocols.

In a line in the sand moment for the club, the Bulldogs have stepped up and breached the players on top of the minimal fines the players were dished up by the NRL.

Investigations revealed the players were drinking excessively and arrived home just hours before they were due to front up at training.

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Dylan Napa did not attend training the next day after his boozy session with several teammates. Picture: Alix Sweeney

The players will be made to front up and explain their actions to the board next week where the monetary amount will be disclosed. They will be given an opportunity to explain themselves after being hit much heavier than the NRL’s punishments.

Napa was fined $5000 by the NRL with Wakeham ($1,750), Waddell ($1,500), Katoa ($1,250) and Schoupp ($250) all sanctioned.

Injuries and suspensions have forced the club’s hand in recalling some of the players to play against the Roosters on Saturday. Coach Trent Barrett was apprehensive about selecting the players but he has been left with little choice because of a mounting injury toll. It is understood only Wakeham has been overlooked.

The players left their teammates exposed last week, leaving the Sea Eagles to stroll to a record breaking 66-0 win.

Jeremy Marshall-King and Ava Seumanufagai were hit with suspensions because of their loss against Manly while Matt Doorey is injured.

The trio join Jayden Okunbor, Raymond Faitala-Mariner, Chris Smith, Adam Elliott, Nick Cotric, Brad Deitz and Christian Crichton on the sidelines.

The money won’t be used by the Bulldogs to pay the club’s $50,000 fine levelled against them by the NRL. Instead it will be used to support their community and charitable programs.

Meanwhile, the Bulldogs have re-signed Marshall-King on a two year deal. It is understood the second season is an option in Marshall-King’s favour.

Originally published as NRL 2021: Canterbury Bulldogs whack ‘Bondi-five’ for boozy session