NRL warns clubs to behave during Mad Monday celebrations
NRL boss Todd Greenberg has a message for clubs and players as the end of the season approaches: Keep your Mad Monday celebrations under control or face serious consequences.
NRL
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Don’t say you weren’t warned. NRL boss Todd Greenberg has promised to hit players and clubs with unprecedented punishments if they’re found guilty of any Mad Monday atrocities.
And one club who will heed the warning is Canterbury.
Twelve months after their Mad Monday drama, the Bulldogs coaching staff and players will be given a low-key send-off following their final game next weekend, with all Mad Monday activities barred.
Next weekend’s final round of the regular NRL season will mark the end of the 2019 campaign for eight clubs — triggering what is viewed by some as a green light to let their head down.
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However, in the wake of brand-damaging Mad Monday scandals occurring at the end of every season since 2017 — involving Manly and Canterbury — Greenberg has delivered his sternest warning yet.
“We will take a zero-tolerance approach to bad behaviour, the clubs know that and the players know that,” Greenberg said.
“There are no excuses — penalties for poor off-field behaviour will be harsher than ever before.
“I made it crystal clear to chief executives when we met in August that we expect the highest standard of behaviour in the off-season.
“Every club and player knows they have a responsibility to ensure the conduct of their club, themselves and their teammates meet community expectations.
“There is no grey area here. I spelled out to every club in the room the responsibilities they have in this area.”'
The NRL’s reputation has suffered in recent years due to Mad Monday incidents.
Most recently, Parramatta’s Shaun Lane was fined $17,500 for a photo that emerged showing him in possession of a small plastic bag containing a white substance.
The picture was taken during Manly’s Mad Monday celebrations at the end of last season before be joined the Eels.
Other Mad Monday incidents in recent years a much-publicised Manly coaching staff fight in 2017 and last year’s drunken furore at Canterbury.
Wisely, the Bulldogs won’t be taking part in any Mad Monday activities next weekend.
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Taking almost 12 months to recover, the Bulldogs have worked tirelessly to turn the club around, both on and off the field, in the wake of last year’s Mad Monday scandal that saw the NRL hit the club with a $250,000 fine — half of which was suspended on appeal.
In 13th position and unable to make this year's finals, the Bulldogs’ season will finish against the Brisbane Broncos at ANZ Stadium on Saturday night.
It’s anticipated the players and staff will farewell each other from ANZ Stadium before coming together again at the club’s end-of-season awards night.
Originally published as NRL warns clubs to behave during Mad Monday celebrations
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