NRL 2021: Josh Dugan under investigation for Covid breach

Cronulla star Josh Dugan is in hot water again, with the NRL integrity unit investigating police reports he breached Covid laws, which he says he will defend.

Josh Dugan in action for the Sharks. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

Cronulla Sharks star Josh Dugan will defend his ­alleged breach of NSW Covid laws, saying his trip to Lithgow late on Friday night was because he was making the town his home.

Police stopped Dugan at 11.30pm at the intersection of Main St and the Great ­Western Highway – 150km from his home in the ­Sutherland Shire.

Police said they spoke to Dugan and a 30-year-old male passenger in the Jeep Cherokee who allegedly were not wearing masks. 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 (we will allege he) later admitted they were heading to a friend’s house for the weekend,” a police spokesman said.

“They were directed to return home. About 40 minutes later, officers detected the same vehicle (allegedly) ­travelling away from Sydney towards Yetholme.

“The men were stopped and again directed to return to their homes.”

The NRL integrity unit is investigating police reports that Cronulla Sharks star Josh Dugan has breached the state’s Covid laws.

Dugan told The Sunday Telegraph he was “going through the process with the NRL” and has “all the necessary documents proving I didn’t breach bubble or government directions”.

Police said charges were expected to be laid. The pair could face fines of up to $10,000 if the breach is proven.

Dugan has just two months remaining on his $800,000-a-year contract with the Cronulla Sharks who were made aware of the incident on Saturday morning.

The club spent Saturday working with Dugan and the NRL Integrity Unit which has the power to terminate the former Australian representative’s contract immediately if it’s deemed he’s breached the NRL’s code of conduct.

This is the second time in three months the former NSW Blues and Kangaroos player has allegedly breached the NRL’s Covid protocols.

Josh Dugan said he will defend the Covid breach allegation. Picture: Tim Hunter

The veteran centre, who has played 215 NRL games, attended a restaurant in Potts Point on June 25 in breach of the NRL’s Level 3 biosecurity protocols which require 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 said following the June incident.

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

“I’ve had all the necessary testing done for Covid and I’ve come back negative … I’ll isolate and do everything that is asked of me.”

Josh Dugan was fined $25,000 by the NRL for breaking the code’s Covid protocols by attending a Potts Point restaurant with friends earlier this year.

The Sharks made a decision to leave Dugan in Sydney when the team was relocated to southeast Queensland for the final eight weeks of the competition.

An official confirmed it was for disciplinary reasons.

Dugan has continued training with the Sharks to fulfil the final months of his contract. The club has chosen not to renew his $800,000-a-year contract which expires in ­October.

Sharks chief executive Dino Mezzatesta declined to comment when contacted by The Sunday Telegraph on Saturday.

Originally published as NRL 2021: Josh Dugan under investigation for Covid breach