Make an example of those breaching law

OPINION: It baffles me how Latrell Mitchell, Nathan Cleary and Josh Addo-Carr will escape without missing an NRL game, writes Matty Holdsworth

It baffles me how Latrell Mitchell, Nathan Cleary and Josh Addo-Carr will escape with out missing an NRL game, writes Matty Holdsworth.

SOAPBOX: IT’S Australia Day 2016. Then-Roosters star Mitchell Pearce is caught on video simulating sex with a dog.

Pearce is suspended for eight weeks, forced to do rehab and cops a $125,000 fine.

Fast forward to this week where, even in a global pandemic, rugby league players have again brought the game into dispute.

NRL player Josh Addo-Carr camping on Latrell's property. Picture Instagram

In case you missed it, no fewer than four players have been caught out on social media in clear breaches of social distancing.

Josh Addo-Carr, Latrell Mitchell and Tyrone Roberts Davis went camping and hunting, while Nathan Cleary was busted in a racy series of photos with several women.

A combined total of $120,000 in fines were dished out and all four players have been also been given a one-match ban, which has been suspended for the remainder of the season.

What example is the NRL setting with such low fines and paltry suspensions?

Panthers halfback Nathan Cleary has been caught breaking social distancing laws on Anzac Day. Picture: Nine News

To me, NRL stars should be expected to be people we look up to and respect to do the right thing. Instead, too many believe they are above society and the law.

This foursome should have been made examples of and had the book thrown at them.

What must Pearce be thinking now, looking back on his stupid but safe actions when compared with putting people’s lives at risk? Double standards much?

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