NRLW player Caitlin Moran banned, fined for Queen Elizabeth II Instagram post

NRLW player Caitlin Moran will miss Newcastle’s clash against the Dragons after the NRL came down hard on her controversial Queen Elizabeth II Instagram post.

Caitlin Moran has been hit with a breach notice by the NRL following her controversial social media post following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

The breach notice alleges last Friday’s post went against the NRLW Code of Conduct.

The Newcastle Knights playmaker has been hit with a fine equivalent to 25 per cent of her salary, although it is suspended so long as she adheres to a number of conditions as part of the breach notice.

Moran will also be suspended for one match and wasn’t named in Newcastle’s team for this weekend’s game against the Dragons.

The former Jillaroo will also have to attend education and training programs that have been recommended by the NRL’s wellbeing and education department in consultation with the Australian Rugby League Indigenous Council in relation to her responsibilities as a player when it comes to the use of social media.

Knights NRLW coach Ronald Griffiths addressed the situation last Sunday while the post was being investigated by the NRL Integrity Unit.

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“I wasn’t worried,” the proud Gommeroi man said.

“The relationship between Indigenous people and the monarchy is a complicated one. If Caitlin has done something then it will be investigated by the Integrity Unit and we’ll work our way through the process.”

Moran came off the bench and set up a try in last week’s loss to the Roosters.

“We’re talking a little bit of negativity with Caitlin, but if we look at we’re she’s come from, in 2017 she wins us the World Cup and does her knee the year after and has probably in the wilderness since then,” Griffiths said.

The NRL integrity unit is investigating an alleged social post by Caitlin Moran.

“Those are the sort of things we need to look at and celebrate. We believe she’s gone from strength to strength.”

Moran’s fine has been suspended for 12 months and she’ll have to pay it immediately if she breaches the code again during that time period.

Moran came off the bench and played a key role in Newcastle’s comeback which fell just short against the ladder-leading Roosters.

She laid on a try with a lovely pass and is starting to look more confident after walking away from rugby league for a while after some long-term injuries.

“We’re talking a little bit of negativity with Caitlin, but if we look at we’re she’s come from, in 2017 she wins us the World Cup and does her knee the year after and has probably in the wilderness since then,” Griffiths said.

“Those are the sort of things we need to look at and celebrate. We believe she’s gone from strength to strength.”

Caitlin Moran in action against the Roosters last weekend. Picture: NRL

NRL investigating player’s Queen Elizabeth death post

NRLW utility Caitlin Moran took the field against the Sydney Roosters on Sunday, despite being investigated by the NRL integrity unit for a social media post referencing the Queen’s death.

Moran, a former Jillaroos representative and Indigenous All Star, has since been forced to delete the post.

“Todays a good fkn day, uncle Luke announces his tour, and this dumb dog dies Happy fkn Friday,” the since deleted Instagram post read.

It is understood Moran, 25, will meet with the integrity unit next week, allowing her to take the field at Allianz Stadium on Sunday.

“The NRL became aware of the post on Friday, 9 September,” an NRL spokesperson said.

“The Newcastle Knights were contacted immediately and inquiries commenced by the NRL Integrity Unit.”

Moran wasn’t selected for the opening two rounds of the competition, but made her season debut in last week’s two-point win over Parramatta.

The halfback had previously played for Australia in the 2017 World Cup, but has yet to feature in the national competition, having suffered an ACL injury in 2018.

Originally published as NRLW player Caitlin Moran banned, fined for Queen Elizabeth II Instagram post