Two stars free to play as NRL investigates alleged COVID breach at boxing bout

James Roberts and Will Smith have reportedly been cleared to play this weekend despite being investigated by the NRL for potential COVID protocol breaches.

James Roberts allegedly didn’t wear a mask to the fight.

James Roberts and Will Smith have reportedly been cleared to play this weekend despite being investigated by the NRL for potential COVID protocol breaches.

Four NRL players attended Wednesday night’s boxing match between Tim Tszyu and Dennis Hogan in Newcastle.

The Daily Telegraph reports that Roberts, Smith and Souths pair Cody Walker and Latrell Mitchell are the players that attended the fight.

The NRL reportedly sent an email to clubs on Wednesday afternoon warning players against attending the fight.

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NRL.comreports that Roberts and Smith will be fine to play this weekend but could still face sanctions with a possible punishment to be given after round four.

Meanwhile, the South Sydney duo were told to maintain social distancing and wear a face mask after being provided an NRL exemption to be part of Tszyu’s entourage.

James Roberts was reportedly in attendance in Newcastle

Roberts did not, however, with the Tigers star reportedly sitting with the general public and not wearing a mask.

The Tigers are confident of having a resolution today and - thankfully for the club - Thursday was a day off for the team, meaning there was no biosecurity risk to the entirety of Michael Maguire’s staff and squad.

On Tuesday all 16 clubs were told they must enter stage 2 COVID protocols as the NRL moves to deal with the fallout from the Brisbane outbreak which triggered a snap lockdown.

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James Roberts at ringside at the Tszyu fight

Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker ringside

An email was sent to all club bosses on Tuesday morning breaking the news which means all players must wear masks whenever they are indoors in public, are banned from public transport and must adhere to temperature checking before each training session.

Ride share services must only be used as a last resort.

The NRL came down hard on players last year for not complying with strict COVID protocols designed to safeguard the game against the pandemic and another possible shutdown of the competition, which the game cannot afford.

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Originally published as Two stars free to play as NRL investigates alleged COVID breach at boxing bout