NRL 2021: Emotional Paul Vaughan opens up on Fox League about Dragons Covid breach

As Paul Vaughan deals with the glaring media spotlight after his contract was torn up, he has opened up on the flow-on effects for his wife and daughter.

GOSFORD, AUSTRALIA - JULY 02: Paul Vaughan of the Dragons during the round 16 NRL match between New Zealand Warriors and the St George Illawarra Dragons at Central Coast Stadium, on July 02, 2021, in Gosford, Australia. (Photo by Ashley Feder/Getty Images)

A shattered Paul Vaughan has broken down speaking of his heartache of being axed by St George Illawarra after breaching the game’s Covid-19 protocols.

Vaughan’s rugby league career is in tatters after the 30-year-old was dumped by the Dragons on Tuesday afternoon.

The former NSW and Kangaroos prop was reduced to tears when speaking about his dramatic fall from grace after hosting a party with a dozen teammates on Saturday night.

Vaughan confirmed his now former teammates were the only people at his Shellharbour home despite suggestions female companions joined them throughout the night.

Paul Vaughan will now have to fight to save his NRL career. Picture: Ashley Feder/Getty Images

“It’s breaking my heart,” Vaughan told NRL 360.

“It’s something that’s caused me a lot of pain. I’m a good person. I believe that.

“It was a very bad judgment call on my behalf. It was stupid and I’m deeply remorseful and sorry for what’s happened. I can’t express that enough. It was more to have the boys enjoying each other’s company. It wasn’t the right thing to do. It was dumb and a very stupid thing to do.

“I can’t express how deeply remorseful I am. I never wanted this to happen. I understand the community and the people in the NRL and the angst it’s caused them. I never wanted that to happen. I can’t say sorry enough.”

"It's a selfish act... it's about more than just us as players."

Benji Marshall's message to NRL players.

Tune into #NRL360 on Ch 502 or stream on @kayosportspic.twitter.com/4MbM6baFlZ

— Fox League (@FOXNRL) July 6, 2021

Vaughan’s contract was ripped up with a million dollars left on his 15-month deal. That includes a hefty $800,000 pay day next year. He wants to resurrect his career as he deals with the glaring media spotlight.

The Dragons had indicated there was no spot on their roster behind 2022.

“I’m just worried about my family and put things in place to best look after them and provide for them which is one of the things that are going to be tough,” Vaughan said.

“I would love to continue playing NRL. Whether that be the case, I still have a burning desire that I want to play but to prove myself to people that I’m a good person and repay the faith. If I get the opportunity to play again I would love to do that.

"I'd be crying too if I just lost an $800,000 contract and couldn't pay my mortgage, but this puts the game at risk."

Ray Hadley unleashes on Paul Vaughan 👀

Tune into #NRL360 on Ch 502 or steam on @kayosportspic.twitter.com/I5IqQN3XDv

— Fox League (@FOXNRL) July 6, 2021

“It’s been extremely difficult. The last 48 hours have been testing. Not being able to go outside for my daughter and wife. It’s hard to handle. It’s something that’s hard for me to take. I understand that’s (the media’s) job but it’s been extremely difficult.”

Coach Anthony Griffin backed the club’s decision to axe Vaughan.

A furious Griffin has also given his embarrassed fan base hope they can keep their top eight spot.

“The club’s dealt with this really strongly and fairly and we get a chance to move,” Griffin said.

“Every player and every employee of the NRL understands the issues of Covid and what you can and can’t do. It wasn’t a matter of us having to make a statement on Friday night to remind them. Everyone understands what you and can’t do and that’s the disappointing thing.

“We’ve got some really good people at our club and the people involved in this are good people. They’ve made a terrible error of judgment, but we’ll grow out of this and we’ll become stronger. We’ll put our best team on the park every week possible over the next four weeks to continue to win games and get into finals contention.

Originally published as NRL 2021: Emotional Paul Vaughan opens up on Fox League about Dragons Covid breach